From Councilman Bonin:
BONIN LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES: Innovative Partnership Will Cut Red Tape and Help Small Businesses Grow
Westside small business owners will have free access to expert business consulting advice and support, thanks to a first-of-it’s-kind partnership announced today by City Councilmember Mike Bonin.
Under the innovative program, Bonin, in conjunction with Santa Monica College and the Small Business Development Center, has hired a staff member who will focus exclusively on supporting local small businesses. Moises Cisneros, an economic development professional with more than 15 years of experience, will work with Bonin’s office to host informational workshops and will provide one-on-one business consulting services to small businesses in Bonin’s 11th District.
“Small businesses form the backbone of our neighborhoods and are responsible for thousands of local jobs,” said Bonin. “Starting and growing a business is not easy, and I want to provide small business owners the support they need to thrive on the Westside. By conducting workshops and providing direct consulting services, Moises will help create jobs in the 11th District. I am incredibly excited about welcoming him to our team.”
In addition to helping clients turn ideas into business plans, Cisneros will serve as a “small business concierge,” who will walk business owners through the city’s often complicated bureaucracy – including helping them apply for conditional use permits and other permits necessary to opening a shop, meeting parking requirements, complying with building and safety regulations and accessing benefits and resources available to many small businesses in LA.
“As CD11’s very own ‘small business concierge,’ Moises will be an invaluable resource for small business owners who have questions about what kind of permits they need or who want more information about what tax credits they are qualified to receive,” said Bonin. “His job will be to show small business owners that local government is on their sides, not on their backs.”
Cisneros, who founded a small business himself, has previously served as the Global Strategies and Business Services Manager for the Economic Development Agency of San Bernardino County. Additionally, he led the International Trade Office for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Councilmember Bonin sought out this partnership because he understands how crucial small businesses are to creating jobs and strengthening neighborhoods,” said Cisneros. “I am thrilled to be a part of the exceptional team he has put together to serve the communities of the Westside and I am eager to get started helping local small businesses grow.”
Cisneros will spend a majority of his time providing one-on-one consulting services to new business owners, helping to turn ideas into thriving enterprises. Cisneros will be based out of Bonin’s West LA District office, but will also be available to meet with clients in the Councilmember’s Westchester office and will additionally spend time meeting with people at their places of business.
At the monthly workshops, Cisneros will provide an overview of information for participants about starting a businesses in Los Angeles, navigating the city bureaucracy, marketing their business, applying for Small Business Administration loans and other important topics. The first workshop will be held on Tuesday, November 26 at 6:30pm at the Westchester Community Room. The workshop is free of charge and open to the public and people can RSVP to attend by clicking here!
WHEN
November 26, 2013 at 6:30pm – 7:30pm
WHERE
Westchester Community Room
7000 W Manchester Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90045
United States
