Dare to Care Learning Center
DaShayne Walker ran her business for over 20 years before she received her first capital infusion through a microloan from VSEDC. Read on to find out what kept her going and what inspires her today. DaShayne Walker, a passionate educator and proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is the director and founder of Dare to Care Learning Center, an after-school program based in Culver City, […]
Set the Table
The CEO of Set the Table wants to tell you how a CDFI microloan helped get her into an industrial kitchen and launch her personal chef business into its next stage of growth “Hello, my name is Tracy Evans. I’m the founder of Set the Table, which we started back in 2014. We offer premium personal chef services, […]
Her Journey to Legacy
Lucia Ortega, successful owner/operator of Sierra Mexican Cafe and recent CDFI loan recipient, launched her business the hard way and wants you to learn from her mistakes. VSEDC: Can you share your journey into entrepreneurship and what inspired you to start your business? Lucia Ortega: I actually grew up in a family full of entrepreneurs. My family was in the newspaper industry for […]
From Leimert Park to San Pedro: The historic expansion of Wah Gwaan Jamaican Kitchen and Bar
What started out as a South LA success story has evolved into an LA County small business success story with the opening of Wah Gwaan’s second location. Last Friday we were overjoyed to celebrate a historic milestone for one of our favorite culinary entrepreneurs, Deandrea Jones, owner of Wah Gwaan Jamaican Kitchen & Bar. The Foundation: Leimert Park (2022) […]
Athena Construction: Built on Capital and Community
Margaret White launched her construction company, Athena Construction, with the assistance of a CDFI loan from Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation – VSEDC
Loan-Ready Opportunity for South LA Businesses
“Loan readiness at graduation is more than an outcome, it’s a shift in economic power,” says Jazz. “I’m proud of every entrepreneur who steps into our classroom and does the work. We’re not just supporting businesses; we’re building legacy. And we’ll continue standing beside our graduates as they grow, scale, and circulate wealth back into our community.”
Client Spotlight: From Dream to Tranquility at Tataypa Peruvian Kitchen
“Tatayna is American Peruvian food, where you’ll build your plate.” – George David Wong, Small Business Owner, Tataypa Peruvian Kitchen At VSEDC, we believe small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. Today, we are proud to spotlight George David Wong, owner of Tataypa Peruvian Kitchen, whose journey reminds us of what is possible when entrepreneurs are met with belief, partnership, and access to capital. Rooted […]
Inside VSEDC: AAPI Voices Elevating South Los Angeles
Diversity is a catalyst. VSEDC actively employs this principle, utilizing staff from various walks of life who converge at Marva’s gates to uplift South Los Angeles. We’re a symphony of voices, each with a unique melody harmonizing into a chorus of community direction. Among our voices, a resonant Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community […]
Art Delectables Receives CDFI Loan to Expand Into Costco
Chef Deljah’s greatest desire is to open the doors for other minority-owned companies to enter the mainstream marketplace.
Fresh Success: AAPI Business Evolves with VSEDC Loan
Flipping away from April, we arrive at the first page of May, ushering in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. VSEDC is proud to champion the incredible AAPI entrepreneurs whose businesses are integral cogs of South LA. This month, we begin by highlighting Kook Hyun Kim, a Korean immigrant and a proud member […]
