The Metropolitan Transit Authority has opened a Business Solution Center (BSC) designed to help businesses impacted by construction of the Crenshaw/LAX light-rail line between 48th and 60th streets.
Small businesses not immediately within the target area can also contact the BSC for business and technical assistance
Created by the Metro board, the new BSC is a pilot program that will assist businesses by offering support services development, case management and financial referrals. The assistance can range from help with creating a website to developing a marketing plan. Depending on the depth and type of services needed, the help may be provided by center staff or outsourced to “for-fee” partners.
The BSC is part of an effort by Metro to help impacted businesses during construction of the 8.5-mile light rail line that will travel through the Crenshaw, Inglewood and LAX communities.
Other efforts include the promotional campaign Eat, Shop, Play Crenshaw that encourages residents to pledge to shop locally and win cash prizes of up to $1,000.
Metro also promotes businesses through its “Open for Business” video series featuring merchants along the rail alignment.
The process begins with an assessment of the business which can be done in the center. Entrepreneurs can also request center staff to visit their location by calling (323) 299-9660, x2289. The center is located in the Urban League building at 3450 Mount Vernon Drive, Los Angeles. The satellite center is located 510 S. La Brea Ave., Inglewood.
In addition to the resource center, Metro is creating a Business Interruption Fund which is expected to begin operation in March. The BSC team provides general information about the BIF and assistance to business owners with the required filing materials. Final processing is through Metro’s BIF administrator, Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corporation (PCR).
