Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday the launch of an initiative to connect small-business owners with experts who can give them advice over the phone, via video chats or in person. The BusinessSource Virtual Counselor Network, funded by a $100,000 contribution from Citi Community Development, will begin operating next month. There will be up to 60 counselors available to provide real-time help. The initiative also will connect small-business owners to entrepreneurial workshops, management courses and other services offered at BusinessSource centers, funded by the Los Angeles Community Development Department. Counselors will be available at these centers to give in-person advice.
