EASTSIDE : Help for Businesses in Enterprise Zone

In an effort to help businesses in the Eastside enterprise zone area, a new help center has been established to offer bilingual training, counseling and other services.

The Eastside Business Assistance Center, which opened Thursday at 3354 E. Olympic Blvd., provides assistance in business planning, bookkeeping, marketing and organization. The center will also offer low-cost business development workshops and free assistance in applying for business loans, said Anita Garcia of Barrio Planners Inc., which is operating the center with the city’s Community Development Department. Loan applications will be sent to government agencies and financial institutions, Garcia said.

“We plan to do some hand-holding so the businesses don’t get lost in the shuffle,” she said.

The services are available to businesses in the enterprise zone, which includes Lincoln Heights, El Sereno and Boyle Heights. The center will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are encouraged.

Information: (213) 266-8832.