Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) is a 501(c) (3) community-based, not-for-profit, organization located in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. For more than twenty years ICON CDC has been creating jobs for low-income individuals through economic revitalization and neighborhood development.
ICON CDC has been serving small business owners and entrepreneurs since 2002. The organization currently operates the City of Los Angeles BusinessSource Center (LABSC) for the North and South San Fernando Valley, which provides free services to primarily low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and small-business owners to promote economic development, job creation, and financial literacy with a focus on job creation and job retention via access to capital.
ICON CDC has served the South Valley community as the BusinessSource Center since October 2011 and the North Valley since 2019. To meet the needs of the business community, ICON CDC offers an array of business workshops along with one-on-one consulting services to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in the areas of business planning, financial management, certification, procurement, credit counseling, marketing, social media, human resources, and licensing/permitting. ICON CDC also works in partnership with several other not-for-profit organizations and public agencies in the areas of youth development, environmental justice, and community-based transportation planning research.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL:
In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods CDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods CDC complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods CDC expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
Entrepreneurial Training Program Curriculum
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Business Entities
This discussion will go over what constitutes and differentiates each business entity; sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and LLC. This allows you to understand its liabilities and taxes.
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Licenses & Permits
We will then discuss in detail the different licenses and permits needed to start a business in the City of Los Angeles and how to obtain them. Licenses and permits covered will include Business Tax Registration Certificate, seller’s permit, DBA Fictitious Business Name, StreetsLA permit, Employee Identification Number, Health Permit, and information on ITINs.
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Cost-Structure & Credit
Next, presenters will provide information on two important topics for small businesses; COST-STRUCTURE, what it is and how to determine it for your business, and what CREDIT is, how to find out your credit score and how personal credit affects your business finances.
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Bookkeeping & Taxes
This training will introduce the basics of bookkeeping and best practices for small businesses. Taxes will also be covered comprehensively including to who and how to understand how much taxes are to be paid.
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Marketing
Attendees will be introduced to marketing for their small business including an in-depth focus on branding, social media, websites, and how they affect and produce sales.
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Management & HR
Here we will focus on management and human resources for small businesses. Attendees will learn about the hiring process including where to look for prospective employees, interviewing, managing, and supervising employees and their records in addition to learning the difference between a W2 and 1099.
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Access to Capital
Next, you’ll gain knowledge and information on the process of access to capital. You will learn the basic requirements needed to prepare your small business for access to capital and all the steps in loan packaging.
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Graduation
Finally, the culmination of the Entrepreneur Training Program. This is where participants present their completed business plan and business sales pitch. This day also gives the opportunity to network with our city representatives that support our economic development programs.
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