Center of Hope CDC Newsletter

Building the Business Backbone Business Series

Building Stronger Businesses Through Community, Strategy & Opportunity

The Building the Business Backbone Business Series recently welcomed more than 40 aspiring and established entrepreneurs for an evening centered on growth, sustainability, and entrepreneurial empowerment. Originally projected to host 25 attendees, the event exceeded expectations and reflected the growing demand for intentional business development opportunities within our community.

Hosted as part of our continued commitment to strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, the evening featured a dynamic panel of four experienced business professionals who shared insights on business development, operations, branding, financial preparedness, and long-term sustainability.

Attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions, asked impactful questions, and participated in meaningful networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and community stakeholders.

Expert Panel Discussion

The event’s featured panelists brought diverse professional expertise and real-world entrepreneurial experience to the conversation. Throughout the discussion, attendees gained practical guidance on:

• Building operational structure and business systems

• Navigating entrepreneurship with intention and adaptability

• Financial literacy and business preparedness

• Marketing and brand positioning

• Accessing local resources and community support networks

• Developing sustainable pathways for business growth

The atmosphere throughout the evening was collaborative, encouraging, and solution-oriented — exactly the type of environment needed to cultivate innovation and economic mobility within the community.

One of the most exciting outcomes from the event was the overwhelming level of engagement from attendees. Many participants expressed interest in continuing their entrepreneurial journey through the BE3 Shepherd’s Program, signaling a strong desire for mentorship, structure, accountability, and long-term business support.

The enthusiasm shown during and after the event reaffirmed the importance of creating accessible spaces where entrepreneurs can learn, connect, and grow together.

About BE3

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Empowerment Blueprint (BE3)

BE3 exists to strengthen and support entrepreneurs through education, ecosystem development, mentorship, and strategic business programming designed to create sustainable economic impact.

The initiative was created to help entrepreneurs move beyond ideas and into actionable, scalable business development by providing access to guidance, resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and community-centered support systems.

BE3 focuses on:

• Entrepreneurial education

• Business sustainability

• Community collaboration

• Leadership development

• Economic empowerment

• Strategic mentorship and incubation opportunities

Through programs like the Building the Business Backbone Business Series and the Shepherd’s Program, BE3 aims to create a pipeline of entrepreneurs who are not only prepared to launch businesses — but equipped to sustain and scale them.

About the Shepherd’s Program

The Shepherd’s Program is a guided entrepreneurial development initiative designed to provide selected participants with mentorship, accountability, strategic support, and business development guidance throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

Participants receive opportunities to:

• Strengthen their business concepts

• Refine operational strategy

• Receive mentorship and coaching

• Develop leadership capacity

• Build professional networks

• Access structured entrepreneurial support

The program is designed to cultivate entrepreneurs who are intentional, resilient, community-minded, and prepared to build sustainable ventures that positively impact the communities they serve.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Building the Business Backbone Business Series reflects the continued momentum surrounding entrepreneurship and economic empowerment within our community. We extend sincere appreciation to every attendee, panelist, partner, volunteer, and supporter who contributed to making the evening impactful and inspiring.

This is only the beginning.

More workshops, collaborative opportunities, and entrepreneurial initiatives are on the horizon as we continue building stronger businesses and stronger communities — together.

Stepping in the Right Direction: HBCU Summit Recap

A Powerful Step Toward the Future

The Stepping in the Right Direction HBCU Summit, hosted by Center of Hope CDC, brought together over 1,000 students from across 32 LAUSD high schools for a transformative day centered on exposure, opportunity, and inspiration. Designed exclusively for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students, the summit created space for young scholars to begin thinking intentionally about their college journeys—early enough to shape meaningful pathways forward.

This high-energy event connected students directly with representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), offering valuable insight into academic programs, admissions processes, and scholarship opportunities. More than just a college fair, the summit was an immersive experience that celebrated culture, pride, and the distinct environment that HBCUs provide.

Building Awareness Through Experience

As part of the broader HBCU Bound Series, the summit plays a critical role in encouraging students to actively explore higher education options—particularly within the HBCU community. One of its key goals is to inspire students to participate in Black college tours, helping them move from curiosity to commitment.

Through this early exposure model, students gain:

• Time to thoughtfully consider their college options

• Opportunities to build relationships with universities

• Confidence in navigating the admissions process

At the same time, colleges are given the chance to connect with students early, creating lasting impressions that can influence future enrollment decisions.

Exploring Career Pathways

A major highlight of the summit was its diverse lineup of interactive workshops, designed to introduce students to both career possibilities and the broader college experience. Workshop tracks included:

• STEM

• Sports

• Media & Theatre

• E-Sports & Entertainment

• Mental Health

• Band, Dance & Cheer

• Entrepreneurship & Entertainment

• The HBCU Experience

These sessions offered students practical insights into potential career paths while also highlighting how HBCUs nurture talent, leadership, and community.

About Stepping in the Right Direction

Stepping in the Right Direction Black College Tours, led by Nicole Ford, is recognized as a leading initiative dedicated to exposing African American students to the richness of HBCU life. Through immersive college tours and strategic partnerships, the organization helps students engage directly with campuses across the country.

Participants in these tours experience:

• Guided campus visits and direct interaction with faculty, admissions teams, and current students

• Opportunities for on-the-spot college applications

• Cultural immersion, including exposure to student life and Black Greek Letter Organizations

With a reported 75% college acceptance rate among participants, the program has made a measurable impact—attracting students not only from across the United States but internationally as well.

Looking Ahead

Representatives from LAUSD expressed strong enthusiasm following the summit, reinforcing its value and impact on students across the district. As an annual event, Stepping in the Right Direction continues to grow as a powerful platform for college access, cultural connection, and student empowerment.

This summit is more than a one-day event—it is a launching point. By introducing students to HBCUs early, it helps them envision a future filled with possibility, purpose, and pride.

For more information about upcoming tours and how to get involved, students and families are encouraged to explore the Stepping in the Right Direction program and its HBCU Bound initiatives.

Homeownership Resource Fair Draws Record Attendance

On January 31st, Center of Hope CDC proudly partnered with the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office to host a record-breaking Homeownership Resource Fair that welcomed 184 attendees and 25 community partners for a comprehensive day of education, access, and empowerment.

The Assessor’s Office shared that this was the most well-attended and successful resource fair they have hosted to date — a significant milestone that underscores the strong demand for trusted, accessible homeownership information in our community.

This year’s fair provided practical, timely guidance on some of the most pressing housing issues facing families today. A featured headliner session on California’s Proposition 19 helped attendees better understand family inheritance, property tax transfers, and generational wealth protection. Attorneys were present to provide information on probate and trusts, while housing professionals offered support for first-time homebuyers, homebuying preparation, tax assessment questions, and real estate navigation.

We extend our sincere thanks to our valued partners — the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County, and the Inglewood Board of Realtors — for their collaboration and leadership in making this event possible. We are also grateful to participating organizations including LA CADA, Pacific Playa Realty, and Metricon Homes whose presence enriched the day’s impact

By convening legal experts, housing counselors, real estate professionals, and public officials under one roof, Center of Hope CDC continues to advance equitable pathways to homeownership, protect generational assets, and equip families with the knowledge necessary for long-term economic stability.

Garden to Market is underway

The Garden to Market Youth Entrepreneurship Intensive is now entering Week 3, and it has been exciting to watch both our garden—and our students—grow.

With a roster of 14 enthusiastic students, each class continues to blend hands-on gardening with entrepreneurship education. Our instructional team includes Miss Kate (Head Gardener), Miss Jocelyn (Assistant Gardener), Matthew Newman (Business Instructor and Center of Hope CDC Board Member), and Katrina Smith (Business Instructor and Program Manager).

The Garden is Growing

Over the past several weeks, students have prepared the garden beds and planted a variety of vegetables and herbs throughout five of our six raised planters. Lettuce, onions, cucumbers, herbs, and many other crops are now beginning their journey from seed to harvest.

Every planting activity serves as a practical lesson in patience, preparation, consistency, and stewardship—principles that apply not only to gardening but also to business and everyday life.

Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Our business sessions continue to introduce students to the language and thinking of entrepreneurship. Students are expanding their business vocabulary while discovering how many of the principles that govern successful gardens also govern successful businesses.

One of our recent discussions explored how entrepreneurs approach challenges. Rather than seeing obstacles as roadblocks, entrepreneurs learn to view them as intriguing questions waiting for creative solutions. This shift in perspective encourages curiosity, innovation, and resilience.

Students are also learning the difference between principles and concepts. Principles are enduring truths that do not change, while concepts are the many ways those principles can be applied in different situations. Understanding this distinction helps students recognize patterns they can use throughout school, business, and life.

Financial Literacy: Partnering with farmers & Merchants Bank

Through this program, we are pleased to partner with Farmers & Merchants Bank to provide students with an engaging introduction to financial literacy. Throughout the course, bank representatives will lead several interactive workshops designed to help students develop practical money management skills, understand the value of saving and budgeting, and build confidence in making financial decisions.

Students are exploring such topics as:

• How banks operate

• How financial institutions earn money

• Understanding checking and savings accounts

• Credit versus debit cards

• Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

• The importance of FDIC and NCUA insurance

Presentations provide students with practical knowledge they can begin applying today while encouraging healthy financial habits that will benefit them for years to come. Our first financial literacy session was met with great enthusiasm, and students eagerly engaged with the material. Together, we have begun exploring the foundations of personal finance and the essential role that financial knowledge plays in building successful businesses and strengthening communities.

Looking Ahead

As our plants continue to mature, so do our students' understanding of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and personal responsibility. Each week they are discovering that growing a successful garden requires many of the same habits needed to build a successful business: planning, patience, consistency, observation, and continuous learning.

We look forward to sharing more progress in the weeks ahead as both our garden and our young entrepreneurs continue to flourish.

Thank you to all of our families for supporting the Garden to Market Youth Entrepreneurship Intensive. Your encouragement helps cultivate the next generation of thoughtful leaders, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.

A highlight of the day was the official unveiling of the Garden Project’s new fountain—a moment that drew excitement and marked another beautiful addition to the space.

The ceremonial groundbreaking included a symbolic planting and watering of a seed by Pastor Geremy Dixon alongside the LA Care representative in one of the newly constructed raised garden beds. This moment represented the beginning of a new chapter and the belief that meaningful change begins with intentional investment and care.

Center of Hope CDC also extends special recognition to the construction team whose creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication brought the vision to life through the design and construction of all six raised garden beds.

The Garden Project stands as more than a physical space—it is a place for gathering, growing, learning, and cultivating opportunity.

We extend our sincere gratitude to RCAC 6, LA Care, every volunteer, supporter, partner, and community member who helped make this day possible.

This is only the beginning.

Stay connected as we continue to grow together.