Sun Valley : Workshops Offered for New Businesses

Valley entrepreneurs who have been in business from six months to five years are eligible to participate in a free 10-week Valley Economic Development Center program that teaches marketing, sales and finance.

Fully funded by the city Community Development Department, the Entrepreneurs Training Program begins Tuesday and offers training in strategic planning, creative marketing and personnel management, among other topics. The program, which won the city’s 1995 Excellence in Community Development Award, also provides participants with up to 10 hours of professional business counseling.

In return for underwriting the program, the city requires that each participant create at least one new job, made available to a low- or moderate-income person, within a year of completing the program.

“The bottom line is that we’re funded by the city of Los Angeles because we’re actively trying to create jobs in the community,” explained VEDC spokeswoman Ruth Shaer. “With all the large businesses downsizing, small employers are the wave of the future.”

The sessions beginning in January--with the earliest scheduled Jan. 9--will be held in Sun Valley. Sessions beginning in February and March will take place in Chatsworth and North Hollywood, respectively. A refundable $50 deposit is required.

For information, call Tara Smith at (818) 989-4377.