Resources for San Fernando Valley Small Businesses Living Dangerously: Small business in 2002 It was only a few months ago that North Hollywood resident Deborah Doster, 37, found herself in dire straits. Attempting to leave an abusive marriage, she and her children were forced into a temporary shelter and, along with everything else, lost her job as a part-time aerobics instructor. As she began to put her life back in order, Doster came to a decision: she wanted to resume her work as a fitness instructor, but she wanted to work for herself. However, she had no experience running a business, no training and very little capital. A counselor referred her to the Valley Economic Development Center in Van Nuys, the largest nonprofit business development agency in Southern California and perhaps the Valley’s primary one-stop shop for anyone who wants to set up their own small business or needs help with an existing one. The VEDC has been offering training, consulting and technical and financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses for 26 years. Doster got help developing her first business plan and obtaining approval for a small business loan of $3,900. She graduated from the VEDC’s Enterprise Training Program, which helped her learn bookkeeping and other business skills. In January she launched Tellitlikeitiz/noexcuses, a fitness-training boot camp course, which she markets to corporate groups. Her first class filled to capacity with 25 members. The VEDC is one of several Valley organizations whose primary mission is to assist new and established business owners get off the ground, expand and get their voices heard on state and federal issues affecting their businesses. Here are some of those organizations, a brief description of what they offer and contact information. Jacqueline Fox VEDC (Valley Economic Development Center) Nonprofit business development corporation offering financial assistance, consulting, training and business solutions for small and medium-sized companies. 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Third floor Sherman Oaks (818) 907-9977 Web site: www.vedc.org SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives, sponsored by U.S. Small Business Administration) Los Angeles County Chapter 9 Offers monthly workshops and seminars for business owners on a variety of topics including financing, marketing and public relations 330 N. Brand Blvd. #190 Glendale (818) 552-3206 Web site: www.score.org VITA (Valley International Trade Association) Nonprofit association provides local businesses assistance in competing in the global marketplace 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 200 Sherman Oaks (818) 379-7000 Web site: www.vitainternational.org SMA (Small Manufacturers Association) of California Provides public policy representation as well as financial, educational and networking assistance for manufacturing firms with fewer than 500 employees Southern California Office 1603 Don Carlos Ave. Glendale (818) 242-7658 Web site: www.schobers.com/sma VICA (Valley Industry & Commerce Association) A private, nonprofit business advocacy association comprised of volunteer businesses owners and civic leaders 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 203 Sherman Oaks (818) 817-0545 Web site: www.vica.com The Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley Conducts economic research, educational programs, seminars and support services through a network of partnerships with local businesses owners, residents, civic leaders and state legislators 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 200 Sherman Oaks (818) 379-7000 Web site: www.valleyofthestars.org United Chambers of Commerce Comprised of 22 member chambers of the San Fernando Valley, representing more than 8,000 businesses 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 208 (818) 981-4491 Web site: www.unitedchambers.org Mayor James Hahn’s Office of Economic Development/L.A. Business Team Provides local businesses assistance navigating the permitting process, financing availability and other city business-related services Valley Office Hours: Every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Third Floor Sherman Oaks (800) 472-2278 Web site: www.lacity.org
