San Pedro Launches New JEDI Zone With Support for Local Business
San Pedro’s Pacific Avenue is the newest location to receive a Jobs and Economic Development Incentive (JEDI) Zone designation, part of the City of LA’s Economic and Workforce Development Department Initiative aimed at supporting small businesses in underserved neighborhoods. City officials, including Council District 15 Councilmember Tim McOsker, gathered at Café Bodega to mark the announcement and highlight the program’s first microloan recipient.
JEDI Zones are established in low- to moderate-income areas or neighborhoods previously designated as redevelopment zones. Once an area qualifies, the city brings a package of economic and workforce development tools to local business owners. These tools can include microloans, permit waivers, technical assistance, and improvements to storefronts and surrounding corridors.
For Café Bodega owner Sandy, the support has been significant. She said the microloan helped her continue construction and purchase costly coffee and kitchen equipment needed to open the business. Café Bodega is the first participant to receive a microloan since that component of the program launched.
City representatives noted that opening a business can be challenging due to complex permitting and regulatory processes. The JEDI Zone program is intended to reduce some of those barriers and help revitalize commercial corridors such as Pacific Avenue, Wilmington Avenue, and Avalon Boulevard. Officials highlighted the broader goals of increasing foot traffic, improving neighborhood services, and creating job opportunities for local residents.
More information about the program is available at the Economic and Workforce Development Department website: EWDD.LACity.gov.
#CouncilDistrict15 #LACityBusiness #LACityEWDD
JEDI Zones are established in low- to moderate-income areas or neighborhoods previously designated as redevelopment zones. Once an area qualifies, the city brings a package of economic and workforce development tools to local business owners. These tools can include microloans, permit waivers, technical assistance, and improvements to storefronts and surrounding corridors.
For Café Bodega owner Sandy, the support has been significant. She said the microloan helped her continue construction and purchase costly coffee and kitchen equipment needed to open the business. Café Bodega is the first participant to receive a microloan since that component of the program launched.
City representatives noted that opening a business can be challenging due to complex permitting and regulatory processes. The JEDI Zone program is intended to reduce some of those barriers and help revitalize commercial corridors such as Pacific Avenue, Wilmington Avenue, and Avalon Boulevard. Officials highlighted the broader goals of increasing foot traffic, improving neighborhood services, and creating job opportunities for local residents.
More information about the program is available at the Economic and Workforce Development Department website: EWDD.LACity.gov.
#CouncilDistrict15 #LACityBusiness #LACityEWDD