For 30 years, the Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC) has consistently provided services to small and medium sized business owners, entrepreneurs and members of the communities it serves. Since 1976, VEDC has grown to become the largest non-profit business development corporation in metropolitan Los Angeles. With a focus on the San Fernando Valley and the City of Los Angeles, VEDC provides financing, consulting and training services in 7 offices.

VEDC believes that the major barrier for today’s small business is access to capital.  Without adequate financing, many small businesses are prevented from thriving.  Operating out of four locations, VEDC’s lending department administers 10 loan programs in addition to its San Fernando Valley Financial Development Corporation’s California Loan Guarantee Program. VEDC’s team of loan consultants is available to provide lending guidance and loan packaging services at little or no cost.

For business owners looking for access to capital VEDC offers  two annual events.” Where’s the Money Expos”. The events both feature a networking breakfast, workshops, a loan pavilion and a banking expo. Where’s the Money is an ideal event for business owners looking for money to expand, working capital or inventory. The first Where’s the Money was held June 3^rd in Downtown Los Angeles and the second is scheduled for September 30^th in Granada Hills.

Nurturing the entrepreneur is a goal of VEDC and the agency has recently re-named its training arm, the Entrepreneurship Center to signify its commitment. Under that umbrella VEDC hosts one of the most successful SBA Women’s Business Centers in the state that to date has consulted with over 488 clients, trained over 1939 start-up entrepreneurs and growing companies,  assisted in the creation of 25 businesses and helped business owners secure over $1 million in financing.  

VEDC recognizes that in today's world of small business ownership, knowledge is power and has crafted its training schedule to reflect the needs of the entrepreneur. With workshops offered city wide and focused on subjects such as marketing, management, finances and planning; VEDC makes sure that business owners get the most up-to-date and relevant training available.

VEDC also believes that nothing helps an entrepreneur grow his or her business more than one-on-one consultation; which is offered under the agencies Entrepreneurship Center banner. From business plan creation to a loan needs assessment, VEDC’s business consultants are there to mentor the entrepreneur and help their business flourish.

Last year, VEDC provided services for a total of 11,500 businesses and was responsible for over $13 million in direct and guaranteed lending. This resulted in the creation of over 600 jobs and a total of 327 new businesses. This year promises to be even more successful, as VEDC strives to help entrepreneurs grow and thrive by being the leading provider of consulting, training and financing to businesses.

For more information on how VEDC can help your business grow, please call 818-907-99722 or log onto www.vedc.org.