Development of ELAC Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center & Incubator

The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center at East Los Angeles College will provide a dedicated space and structured programs for students and community members to develop, launch, and grow businesses. The Center will combine physical infrastructure, targeted training, and access to resources to support entrepreneurship in the East Los Angeles region.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center & Incubator

College Partners

Fiscal Partner

Purpose

The ELAC Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center & Incubator aims to establish a dedicated hub at East Los Angeles College for students and community members to turn ideas into businesses by providing space, training, mentorship, and access to capital. It aims to drive economic mobility, foster innovation, and expand opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs in East Los Angeles.

    • Create a functional and accessible Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center.

    • Provide structured training and pathways for business development.

    • Connect entrepreneurs to mentorship, resources, and capital.

    • Build systems for tracking outcomes and ensuring long-term sustainability.

    • ELAC students seeking entrepreneurial opportunities.

    • Local community entrepreneurs and small business owners.

    • Underrepresented groups in East Los Angeles seeking pathways to business ownership.

    • East Los Angeles College (ELAC)

    • Workforce Innovation Labs (project partner/manager)

    • Local chambers of commerce, banks, and community organizations

    • Faculty, students, and community-based organizations

    • Capital in the Community Fund partners

    • Launch of a fully operational entrepreneurship and innovation center at ELAC.

    • Training and support provided to students and community entrepreneurs.

    • Increased access to business resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

    • Data systems in place to measure outcomes and guide continuous improvement.

Key Components

Pre-Incubator Bootcamps

A series of six bootcamps will introduce the essentials of entrepreneurship. Covering topics such as startup fundamentals, Lean Startup methodology, pitch creation, and business planning, these sessions are designed to give aspiring entrepreneurs a strong foundation to launch their ventures.

Center Design & Launch

The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center will serve as a dedicated, branded hub on campus, offering students and community entrepreneurs a centralized space to access programs, mentorship, and resources. This physical space will be the focal point for innovation, collaboration, and business growth in East Los Angeles.

Incubator & Access to Capital

Through partnerships like the Capital in the Community Fund, participants will gain access to financial resources including loans, grants, and investment opportunities—giving them the capital support needed to launch, grow, and sustain their businesses.

Interpersonal Skills Workshops

Seven workshops will serve up to 315 participants, focusing on the personal and professional skills entrepreneurs need to thrive. Topics will include communication, personal branding, presentation skills, and strategies to overcome internal barriers to success.

Business Fundamentals Workshops

Thirteen workshops, with up to 50 participants each, will provide training in essential business areas such as market analysis, financial projections, legal formation, and advanced business strategies. These workshops will prepare entrepreneurs not only to launch but to sustain and scale their enterprises.

Ecosystem Research & Marketing

Through needs assessments, stakeholder engagement, and targeted outreach, the Center will build strong partnerships with chambers of commerce, banks, faculty, students, and community organizations to ensure the program is responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.

Why This Matters

This initiative strengthens economic mobility in East Los Angeles by equipping students and community members with the tools, skills, and resources to succeed as entrepreneurs—driving innovation, small business growth, and long-term community impact.