"PERFECT" PARTNER FOR NEW WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

At the annual “State of the Port” address, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Saroka said that EWDD is a perfect example of the expertise and resources needed for the new Port of Los Angeles Workforce Initiative. 

“This year, in partnership with employers, unions, nonprofits and agencies like the EWDD, we will create the framework for a Port of Los Angeles Workforce Initiative,” he said. “This initiative will focus on providing careers to those who are looking for better economic opportunities.

EWDD General Manager Carolyn Hull was featured in a video segment for the address. The most promising career opportunities at the Port include jobs within the goods movement ecosystem, transportation, waterborne cargo and the blue economy. EWDD’s WorkSource Centers offer no-cost job training services in multiple languages that can help prepare Angelenos for these opportunities, she said. 

“EWDD and the Port of Los Angeles are partnering to make sure that we have a properly trained workforce for the jobs of the future,” she said. “Success would mean that the community would have access to all the amazing jobs here at the Port, at living wages. We’re going to work together to make sure that we have the workforce that has the skills for the 21st century.”

To watch the full State of the Port address, click here. 

To learn more about EWDD’s WorkSource Centers, visit bit.ly/EWDDWorkSource. 

EWDD IN THE COMMUNITY - CD1 RESOURCE FAIR

On Saturday January 21, 2023, EWDD staff attended the Council District 1 Tenant’s Rights & Resource Fair at Pico Union Project. EWDD staff provided residents with information about the City’s Worksource, YouthSource, and BusinessSource Centers. Elvia Magallon of EWDD’s Economic Development team and EWDD Workforce Development intern Yoselin Bustos passed out food baskets at the event. About 200 families attended the event.

BE BRIGHT COFFEE TOASTS NEW STOREFRONT

With assistance from the Hollywood BusinessSource Center (BSC), Frank La grew his business Be Bright Coffee from a booth at the famed Smorgasburg LA outdoor food market to a brick and mortar café in the heart of Los Angeles. 



The Hollywood BSC is operated by the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), which was able to give Mr. La a working capital loan. 

“Access to capital is very important to startups like us,” he said. “The biggest ticket item is storefront renovation expenses. With the loan, we can purchase a new countertop and it brings a clean and refreshing look to the store.”

Be Bright Coffee (pictured above) started as a small vendor at Smorgasburg in 2021. Mr. La worked with his family to sell specialty coffee and provide coffee catering services to corporate events. The company grew, starting with building brand recognition and production capacity.

Due to high customer demand, Mr. La wanted to take his business to the next level and reached out to PACE for guidance. He didn’t qualify for a loan when he came to the lender two years ago, but he persevered. Mr. La was determined to make his business a success. He took advice from the PACE business development center and started off by building the brand small. First, he created an e-commerce platform, tested the market and then slowly moved to Smorgasburg. The company also participated in community events. Two years later, through dedication and hard work, Mr. La made his dream come true. 

Be Bright Coffee is located in City Council District 5 at 7311 Melrose Avenue.