Success Stories

Over 500 businesses have benefitted from VSEDC’s training programs.
Here is a sampling of success stories from former participants.

Ali Salman, Simply Hybrid, LLC
Ali Salman began operating Simply Hybrid, LLC, a car rental agency with hybrid and alternative fuel environmentally green vehicles in 2007 when the ‘Go Green’ movement was heightening. When he approached VSEDC in 2009, he was seeking to expand operations from one location to another. Upon Mr. Salman’s successful completion of the business plan class, he was given technical assistance by VSEDC. Mr. Salman was advised on the importance of maintaining accurate financial records necessary to access Small Business Administration and bank financing to expand his business. Until then, Mr. Salman had been utilizing private investment between himself and his business partner. He was also advised to generate monthly and quarterly financial statements, transition from compiled statements to statements review by a CPA, and generally adjust financial strategies to attract financing. The technical assistance resulted in Mr. Salman initiating improvements in the areas of tax compliance and financial reporting which set him on a course to have the documentation necessary to apply for loan funding. Simply Hybrid, LLC, is still in operation achieving wide success and recently expanded to Orange County, California.

Adair Williams, Cool Sounds Mobile DJ
Adair Williams, better known as DJ Effex, is the owner of Cool Sounds Mobile DJ. He took VSEDC’s Entrepreneurial Training Program over 10 years ago. The program assisted him with getting business ideas off the ground. With the training, he went through the process of planning necessary steps to start and committing his ideas, goals and vision to paper. Mr. Williams also identified strategies to diversify his business model to ensure maximum profit for his efforts.This proved to be a very instrumental exercise that laid the foundation for his success. Mr. Williams success has continued into the present where he is still open for business providing DJ services at events all over Southern California. 

Ebony Woods, Kontejus Apparel Group
Ebony Woods was a participant in VSEDC’s Entrepreneurial Training Program in June of 2008. As a veteran Airman of the United States Navy, she desired to transition into entrepreneurship and when she first approached VSEDC, she was unclear on the proper steps to establish a business. VSEDC helped facilitate Ms. Woods efforts by guiding her step-by-step through the process of obtaining a business license, selecting a business entity, researching her target market, and creating a viable business plan. She was instructed on how to manage her company effectively, conduct sound financial projections, and implement strategies to avoid the common pitfalls faced by start-up businesses. Ms. Woods crafted a thorough business plan and VSEDC referred her to our strategic ally, Community Financial Resource Center where she obtained a $2,000 loan. The loan, now repaid, allowed her to purchase supplies and equipment and open a business bank account for efficient financial management. Ms. Woods’ wholesale and retail clothing business, Kontejus (pronounced contagious) Apparel Group is currently operating as a home-based venture. She desires to expand the business to a storefront location and continue to sell quality clothing and accessories to community members.