Business Centers

Weekly Newsletter

October 20, 2026

This Week's Highlight


The Business War Room: Make the Calls, Take the Risks, Beat the Competition!


Think you have what it takes to run a successful business? It's time to put your business instincts to the test!

Forget the traditional workshop. On October 30, NEW-WBC is inviting entrepreneurs to step into the Business War Room, an interactive Business Simulator where tough decisions, unexpected challenges, teamwork, and a little friendly competition will determine which team comes out on top!



Imagine being in charge of a business where every decision matters. Do you invest in growth or protect your cash reserves? Do you take out a loan to expand, or wait until your finances are stronger? What happens when an unexpected expense threatens your plans? And how do you convince a lender that your business is ready for financing?


During this hands-on experience, participants will work in teams, assume different business leadership roles, and face real-world business challenges. From thinking like a CEO to analyzing numbers like a CFO and evaluating risks like a lender, every team member will contribute to the decisions that shape the company's future.


But there's a twist: your team won't be alone! You'll compete against another team to see who can make the smartest business decisions, manage challenges effectively, and put their company in the strongest position to succeed. The pressure is on, the decisions are yours, and the outcome depends on how well your team works together!



The best part? You can test your business instincts, make mistakes, and learn from the consequences without putting your real business at risk.


Beyond the competition, the Business War Room offers valuable lessons in cash flow management, financial decision-making, risk assessment, and loan readiness. You'll gain a better understanding of what lenders look for, how to prepare your business for financing, and what steps you can take to strengthen your financial position before applying for a loan.


Whether you're launching a new venture or growing an established business, this is your opportunity to sharpen your decision-making skills, learn from fellow entrepreneurs, and discover new ways to approach the challenges of running a business.


Are you ready to enter the war room?


Friday, October 30, 2026

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

In person: 6931 Van Nuys Blvd Van Nuys CA 91406


Bring your business mindset, your competitive spirit, and your willingness to think outside the box. It's time to make the calls, take the risks, and see if your team has what it takes to win!


NEW-WBC: Helping entrepreneurs make stronger decisions and build businesses ready for growth.

Upcoming Events

How to Write a Screenplay: Formatting Your Script

Ask Your SBA Questions

10/21/2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (PDT)

10/21/2026 | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (PDT)

The Writer’s Voice: Celebrating Our Stories and Our Authors

 

Join the Women’s National Book Association – Los Angeles Chapter on November 21, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, for The Writer’s Voice, a welcoming gathering where members and nonmembers come together to share their work, read excerpts from works in progress, and celebrate recently published books. This special event offers writers a supportive space to express themselves, connect with fellow authors, and share the stories they are bringing into the world.

Meet Natoma L. Keita at The Writer’s Voice

Join the Women’s National Book Association – Los Angeles Chapter on November 21, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, for The Writer’s Voice, featuring author Natoma L. Keita, also known as Constance L. Jackson. A filmmaker, writer, activist, and entrepreneur, Natoma has dedicated her multifaceted career to using storytelling to challenge oppression, reclaim overlooked histories, and inspire change. Her recently released memoir, Mommy’s Ears and My Fears: Sketches of a CODA Life, offers a personal perspective shaped by her experiences growing up as the hearing daughter of a deaf mother. With two master’s degrees and a career spanning filmmaking, public health, and social activism, Natoma brings a powerful voice and a remarkable life story to her writing.

Come hear Natoma share her work and join a welcoming gathering where writers celebrate their creativity, exchange ideas, and connect through the written word.


Members and nonmembers are invited to participate by reading an excerpt from a work in progress or a recently published piece. WNBA-LA members can participate for free, and family and friends are encouraged to attend and cheer on the readers. Whether you are ready to share your own words or simply want to support local writers, The Writer’s Voice is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the stories that deserve to be heard.

Success Story

Eddie's Furniture: Built to Last


For eight years, Eddie’s Furniture has helped Pacoima families make their houses feel like home with mattresses, bed frames, nightstands, vanities, and more. When construction of the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail began right in front of her storefront, owner Rufina needed support and wasn’t sure where to turn. She connected with the New Economics for Women team, who guided her through the Business Interruption Fund (BIF) application and helped her submit the required documents. She is now working with NEW business advisors to plan how to use her grant funds. She also participated in workshops hosted by NEW that provided information on marketing for her business. 


Rufina is also lifting up her neighbors by referring fellow business owners to NEW. “These are resources that business owners like me need to know about. For many of us, however, we do not know where to start, so I appreciate NEW for guiding me through this process.” With determination and the right support, Eddie’s Furniture is moving forward with confidence.


Eddie's Furniture

13615 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331

(818) 890-6191



Joceline Hernandez

Outreach Coordinator

Women's Business Center

+1 818 786 4098 Ext 117

+1 818 325 5945 direct

jhernandez@neworg.us

Financial Corner

Funding Resources for Your Business

Looking for funding to start or grow your business? Explore these resources to help you better understand grants, loans, and how to prepare for funding opportunities.

Grant Application Checklist


Prepare the key information and documents you may need when applying for a business grant.

Grant Resources


Explore resources to help you learn more about grants and identify potential funding opportunities.

Loan Resources


Learn more about financing options and what to consider when seeking a business loan.

Business Recovery Resources


Has your business been affected by a California wildfire? Explore resources that may help you navigate recovery and available assistance.

Our Team is Here to Help

Have questions or need support for your business? Connect with the Entrepreneurship team at the center that best fits your needs.

East San Fernando Valley Light Rail

Patsy Ayala | Program Manager

6946 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 220, Van Nuys

payala@neworg.us

818-786-4098 ext. 117

East LA BusinessSource Center

Aileen Sierra | Program Manager

1780 E. 1st St, Los Angeles

frontdeskelabsc@neworg.us

(323) 568-1520 Ext. 3500


Women's Business Center - Gateway Cities

Lilian Alger | Business Consultant

3355 E Gage Ave #323 Suite 100, Huntington Park

frontdeskwbcgc@neworg.us

(213) 762-0200 Ext. 1341

Women's Business Center - San Fernando Valley

Libia Berbesi | Program Manager

lberbesi@neworg.us

(818) 630-9067 Ext. 4100

New Economics for Women

303 Loma Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90017

(213) 483-2060

info@neworg.us

neweconomicsforwomen.org