The SLAEDC Small Business Development Initiative aims to empower minority entrepreneurs and young business leaders in South Los Angeles by creating a streamlined, collaborative individualized support system. This initiative will leverage partnerships with Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), CDFIs, City, County and Youth WorkSource and WorkForce Centers to maximize the success of small businesses while fostering economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

South Los Angeles is a hub of diversity and innovation but faces systemic challenges in connecting its businesses to meaningful resources. One key opportunity is local, state and federal contracting, which accounts for over $700 billion annually. Despite its potential, many minority-owned businesses lack the tools to navigate this complex market. Additionally, the Green Economy is rapidly growing, presenting a chance to prepare local businesses and workers for careers in clean energy, sustainability, and environmental technology.

This initiative will address these challenges by building a fluid,collaborative network of organizations, ensuring clients receive tailored support and referrals to accelerate success. With a focus on local, state and federal government contracting and green job education, the initiative will drive economic growth, job creation, and community development.

1. Streamlined Collaboration: Develop partnerships with SBDCs,CDFIs, City and County agencies, and Youth Workforce Centers to align efforts and maximize impact.
2. Individualized Assistance: Implement a robust client intake and assessment process to deliver one-on-one, customized referrals based on specific needs.
3. Green Job Education: Prioritize training programs in clean energy, environmental sustainability, and related fields to prepare businesses and individuals for the green economy.
4. Increased Success Metrics: Track client progress through a centralized system, ensuring accountability and measurable outcomes.
5. Job Creation: Enable businesses to grow and hire locally, with a particular focus on green jobs and federal contracting opportunities.

• Targeted Client Referrals: Each client receives tailored support, avoiding the inefficiencies of general referrals.
• Green Job Training: Identity Workforce Centers and educational institutions for training in solar energy, battery production, energy efficiency, and other sustainable industries.
• Data-Driven Tracking: A centralized platform will monitor progress, enabling continuous improvement and accountability.
• Collaborative Network: Strengthen partnerships to deliver integrated services and expand the reach of the initiative.
• Economic Empowerment: Focus on high-growth sectors, including federal contracting and green industries, to drive long-term stability and wealth creation.

1. Client Success: 200 businesses onboarded and supported in the first year, with a significant portion engaging in government and green industry sectors.
2. Job Creation: Hundreds of new jobs generated, particularly in clean energy and sustainability.
3. Enhanced Collaboration: Strengthened partnerships with measurable benefits for all stakeholders, including SBDCs, Workforce Centers, and government agencies.
4. Community Growth: A thriving local economy that balances growth with environmental sustainability.

The total estimated cost for the first year of operations is $350,000, which includes program development, referral system implementation, green job training, and client onboarding.

The SLAEDC Small Business Development Initiative represents a transformative opportunity for South Los Angeles. By creating a collaborative, client-focused system that delivers customized support, emphasizes green job training, and tracks measurable outcomes, this program will empower small businesses to thrive, generate jobs, and contribute to a vibrant, sustainable local economy.

This forward-thinking initiative will not only create jobs but also prepare South Los Angeles for leadership in government contracting and the green economy, ensuring long-term prosperity and resilience for its businesses and communities.

The South Los Angeles Economic Development Collective (SLAEDC) recognizes the importance of collaboration in driving small business success. By leveraging existing resources and fostering partnerships with the SBDC, City, County, and Youth Workforce Centers, SLAEDC aims to create a seamless and individualized support system for minority entrepreneurs and young business leaders. This approach emphasizes targeted referrals, tracked progress, and fluid collaboration, ensuring better outcomes for businesses while enhancing the impact of all involved organizations.

Goals

1. Build a robust network of existing resources to address diverse business needs effectively.
2. Streamline the referral process to ensure clients are matched with specific services that directly address their challenges.
3. Enhance accountability and track the progress of every client through follow-ups and performance evaluations.
4. Increase the success rates of small businesses while maximizing the effectiveness of SBDCs and Workforce Centers.
5. Higher Success Rates: Businesses receiving tailored assistance are more likely to secure contracts, create jobs, and sustain long-term growth.
6. Stronger Network Impact: Enhanced coordination among partner organizations leads to more efficient use of resources and shared success.
7. Increased Client Satisfaction: Small businesses report greater satisfaction due to targeted and timely support.
8. Scalable Model: The SLAEDC system becomes a blueprint for similar initiatives in other regions.