Topics / JOBS : Training Grants Available

A nonprofit organization that helps low-income residents in Long Beach start their own businesses has received a $500,000 federal grant.

The Long Beach-based California American Woman’s Economic Development Corp. will use the money to provide business training in six disadvantaged areas: MacArthur Park, Washington Middle School, Hellman Street, Willmore city/Drake Park, Wrigley and North Long Beach.

The local agency’s Neighborhood Entrepreneurial Program trained 17 people in the MacArthur Park and Washington Middle School areas last year. Twenty residents of the Hellman Street and Willmore city/Drake Park neighborhoods are enrolled in this year’s class.

The grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will help fund training for up to 180 people in the next three years. The Long Beach organization must match the federal grant.

To qualify, residents of targeted areas must be low-income and have a desire to become self-sufficient. The applicants with the most viable business plans are accepted.

For information: (310)-983-3747.