New Complex to Nurture Firms in Southwest L.A.
The first business-incubator facility in southwest Los Angeles County will open next week, targeting new and existing companies in the Athens Westmont area.
The Los Angeles County Community Development Commission, which developed the center, will lease space in the 25,000-square-foot building to between 20 and 30 businesses for three to five years.
“The way the center works is that the commission will approve tenants to occupy office space,” said Rey Moore, spokesman for the project, which will cost about $500,000. “Those companies will get leasing prices that will be lower than market rate, and a full range of business services.”
The facility was developed to boost the local economy by creating jobs and assisting local businesses in the Athens Westmont community. El Camino College’s small-business development center and its Business and Entrepreneurial Success Training program will provide assistance.
“This incubator will be an example of how county government, businesses and academic institutions can work together to help grow small businesses and improve economics at the community level,” said Carlos Jackson, executive director of the Community Development Commission.
The commission is seeking businesses that have potential for growth, offer useful products and services, and provide jobs to the community. The building will be used for administrative offices, not as retail space.
“The facility will have various types of office amenities, including a large conference room, telephones, copiers, fax machines, a computer laboratory and oodles of parking,” Moore said. “Business owners can get marketing and financial help, as well as management training.”
The commission will hold a grand-opening ceremony for the center at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 13 at 11601 Western Ave. Business owners interested in more information should contact Shirley Young at (213) 890-7203.
