City of Los Angeles Supports Small Business with Entrepreneurial Training Program

Los Angeles, CA, July 13, 2005 --(PR.com)-- On July 26, 2005 Barrio Planners which operates the Eastside Business Assistance Center (EBAC) will begin the 20th session of its Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP). ETP is an 8 week certificate program specifically catered to the start-up entrepreneur who either has an innovative idea for a business or an opportunity to buy a business, but isn't sure how and where to start in assessing his or her various options. The program combines interactive instruction with one-on-one coaching, peer learning, focus groups, and comprehensive workbooks, to assist the student to determine the feasibility of his/her business idea/concept.

Upon completion of the training program, participants will not only have a general understanding of how to successfully operate a business, but will also be able to establish a network of peers and instructors for further information and support. In addition, all graduates are entitled to receive up to two years of progress tracking and technical assistance. Planned outcomes of this training component will include the formulation of a start-up business plan, the actual establishment of a business, and job creations.

Since November 2000, ETP has graduated 465 participants. One successful graduate, Devon Lendsey, President of Lendcorp Mortgage Brokers, Inc., completed the program January 16, 2002 and along with Matilde Verbera (2003 graduate) founded Lendcorp Mortgage Brokers a year and a half later. “My vision for creating Lendcorp Mortgage Brokers was inspired by the training I received in the ETP classes. My goal was to create a company that delivered to every client comprehensive value-based mortgage solutions. I am happy to say we are achieving that goal,” says Devon Lendsey.

In January 2005, Devon returned as an ETP instructor for the 18th ETP session. “I think Devon has brought passion and expertise and a realized vision to the class,” Becky Jiang, ETP Program Manager. Since its inception the programs course curriculum has expanded to include: Planning and Growing a Successful Business; Economic Development Incentives; Personal Credit Review and Repair; as well as Purchasing and Leasing Commercial and Industrial Real Estate. “I believe that [EBAC’s] Entrepreneurial Training Program offers hope through empowerment and grounded instruction to economically disenfranchised minorities across the city. I am proud to give back to a program that gave me so much,” says Mr. Lendsey.

Barrio Planners, a 35 year old architectural firm which focuses on community development created the Eastside Business Assistance Center to improve community wellness and inject economic life into East L.A. “The motivating philosophy and commitment of our firm is the belief that people are the most important element of research, planning, and design,” Frank Villalobos, President of Barrio Planners, Inc. EBAC operates the ETP with the cooperation and sponsorship of The City of Los Angeles alongside the L.A. Community Development Department and SBA. Program facilities are offered by the East Los Angeles Work Source Center.  More information on Lendcorp Mortgage Brokers can be found at http://www.lendcorponline.com.

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