Vermont-Slauson Economic Development Corporation

Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) was founded to inspire economic development an provide access to capital for underserved areas in South LA. Today, we provide core resources and tools to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs in South LA and beyond. Our services include business coaching, training, technical assistance and more.

Our Mission

VSEDC empowers our community to thrive through building wealth. 

Our Founder

Marva Smith Battle-Bey founded VSEDC and led the organization for 35 years before her passing in 2016. An icon and visionary leader, her commitment to facilitating economic development and access to capital for the most underserved was her life’s work.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1952, Marva attended Michigan State University, earning her B.S. in Urban Planning journeying west to the University of Southern California (USC). There, she earned her M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning, her M.P.A. in Public Administration and her Ph.D. (ABD) in Urban Studies. Marva established herself as a formidable leader and inspirational mentor to USC students of color, many of whom have developed impressive careers and cite her mentorship as a key component of their success. She always sought to promote diversity, and created “An Evening of Soul” program designed to share the best of African American culture to foster strong relationships among all USC students, staff, and faculty.

In 1979, Marva founded VSEDC along with a citizen advisory committee established by Mayor Tom Bradley in response to the South LA community’s concern regarding the closing of a Sears department store. The organization began operations in 1981, breaking ground on development of the Vermont-Slauson Shopping Center—the first major retail investment in the community since the 1965 Watts riots.

Read More

Her leadership guided VSEDC to expand its footprint, acquiring a stretch of property on Western Avenue that includes the facility which houses the South Los Angeles Best Buy Teen Tech Center and the AT&T Connected Learning Center. Marva continued to expand economic development, overseeing more than $60 million in projects, the development and financing of major supermarkets, and the rehabilitation of hundreds of housing units for low- and moderate-income residents. VSEDC has built affordable housing complexes, created over 3,000 jobs for local residents, and operates a Business Enterprise Center and an industrial complex.

As a nationally recognized expert in the field of economic development, she was instrumental in founding and/or leading several organizations dedicated to promoting economic development. Two organizations close to her heart were the Black Women’s Network, a consortium of 500 strong women dedicated to economic development, resource sharing, networking, and wellness; and the Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. a national organization dedicated to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment for Black women and girls across the nation.

Marva’s roles were far-reaching, serving as a National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women; a Founding member and President of Black Women’s Network in Los Angeles; a board chair of the California Coalition for Community Economic Development, and ensured her influence was felt through her engagements with the California Reinvestment Coalition, the National Congress for Community Economic Development, and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.

Acclaimed by U.S. Presidents and Mayors, Marva was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Leadership Award from Leadership California, the Paul Davidoff National Award for Social Advocacy from the American Planning Association, and an NAACP Image Award, and she received national recognition as the 2007 National Minority Small Business Champion from the Small Business Administration.

Marva’s 35 years of leadership is forever ingrained in the foundation of VSEDC, and her vision for South Los Angeles lives on and dwells within all who seek to realize its economic prosperity, and her dedication and service are the impetus of the economic advancement VSEDC endeavors.

Our History

The Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) was founded by Marva Smith Battle-Bey in 1979 in response to the South LA community’s concern regarding the closing of a Sears department store. The organization began operations in 1981, breaking ground on development of the Vermont-Slauson Shopping Center—the first major retail investment in the community since the 1965 Watts riots.

As the operating arm of 501(c)(3) nonprofit Vermont-Slauson LDC, Inc. (VSLDC), VSEDC has grown from a grassroots neighborhood organization to an established anchor institution with 40 years of demonstrated effectiveness in microenterprise and small business development, providing business courses and customized technical assistance to low- and moderate-income South LA residents and businesses.

Read More

Since its inception, VSEDC has delivered economic resources to communities that often live in the shadows. Because of systematic barriers that make it more difficult to secure business support, VSEDC plays an instrumental role in making entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Our diverse support includes access to capital through our CDIF revolving loan fund, business planning, one-on-one business assistance, business training and education, and most recently bridging the digital divide by providing South LA with resources to learn valuable tech skills in a state-of-the-art Best Buy Teen Tech Center and the AT&T Connected Learning Center.

Through advocating and facilitating funding from the government and the private sector to the Vermont-Slauson community, VSEDC has produced more than $60 million in physical development projects; created and retained more than 3,000 jobs; served over 25,000 pre-startups, startups, and operating businesses, the vast majority of whom are minority-owned (90%) or low-income (82%). In total, VSEDC has helped clients access approximately $250 million in capital from partners and other lenders through intensive one-on-one technical assistance and loan packaging assistance.

To adapt to changing community needs, VSEDC expanded its small business training and technical assistance services. In 2002, with federal funding, VSLDC launched a revolving loan fund at its Business Enterprise Center (BEC), a 10,000 square foot business incubator located in a Federal Empowerment Zone. Designed to nurture and educate startup businesses, the site serves as a location for entrepreneurs to access training and technical assistance, while also providing space as an incubator where business owners can rent office space at competitive rates. In 2010, the BEC became a City of Los Angeles BusinessSource Center (LABSC) serving the South Region.

Our Sponsors

American Business Bank  • Bank of America  •  Capital One  •  Citizens Business Bank
First Citizens Bank  •  Manufacturers Bank  •  Southern California Gas
U.S. Bank  •  Western Alliance Bank

"The services that VSEDC provides are invaluable. Whether you are a business of one or one hundred, each business receives the same opportunities and exposure to resources."

Jessica LeGaux, Representative of Harold & Belle’s

"We are thankful for VSEDC and the role it has played in helping us secure business credit."

Catarah Hampshire, Southern Girl Desserts

Vermont-Slauson EDC

Our Staff

Executives

Quentin Strode

Quentin Strode

President/CEO

Click here for Bio

Quentin Strode is a community economic development leader dedicated to offering equitable financial solutions for marginalized businesses of color. After building a distinguished career as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for U.S. Bank and as Senior Vice President and Regional Executive for Bank of America, Quentin is leveraging his experience and expertise to bridge the capital access gap for underserved community entrepreneurs and small business owners. Most recently, as President and CEO for NEW Community Investments, Strode launched two business centers, offered college-level proprietary entrepreneurial courses, and provided alternate financing options to help women-, women of color- and minority-owned small businesses succeed.

Diane White

Diane White

Director of Human Resources/Office Manager

Click here for Bio

Coming Soon.

Libby Williams

Libby Williams

Chief Operating Officer

Click here for Bio

Elizabeth “Libby” Williams is responsible for maximizing VSLDC’s operating performance and achieving its financial goals. She oversees all CDFI activity and ensures that VSLDC retains the support it needs to function at full capacity. She serves as the primary liaison to the legal counsel in addressing legal issues. Previously, she served as a consultant for the Williams Consulting Group, LLC. Where she managed economic development projects focused on investment and retention best practices for businesses and employees. She built strong relationships with attorneys, real estate brokers, urban planners, and community–based organizations to implement projects. 

Namoch Sokhom

Namoch Sokhom

Director of Lending Services

Click here for Bio

Namoch Sokhom is responsible for the day-to-day operations within the loan services department and all CDFI-related activities. He reviews loan applications, underwrites, and presents cases to the loan committee. He develops projects that implement funding for microenterprises and small businesses. He also develops and maintains relationship with public and private funders. Previously for over two decades, he started and served as the Director of the PACE Finance Corporation, a certified CDFI, and of PACE Business Development Center where he was in charge of small business development, lending program, including SBA Microloan, SBA Community Advantage, and EDA Revolving Loan Fund; and Assets Building including United Way Individual Development Account (IDA), Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), and Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Micro-Enterprise Development, personal credit building.

Federico Castillo

Federico Castillo

Director of Finance & Administration

Click here for Bio

Federico Castillo is responsible for developing and implementing VSLDC’s financial systems, strategies, operations and reports. He serves as the interface for the Community Reinvestment Act to make sure VSLDC obtains proper services to provide loans and investments for minority-owned businesses; additionally, he interfaces with public auditors. Previously, he worked as the Chief Financial Officer of Toberman Neighborhood Center, Inc. where he designed and developed the organization’s Strategic Business Plan for 10 years in conjunction with the CEO and members of the Board of Trustees. 

Staff

Adam Dominguez

Adam Dominguez

CDFI Loan Officer

adominguez@vsedc.org

Loan Services

Adrian Veliz

Adrian Veliz

South LA Business Source Center Program Manager

Alberto Dominguez

Alberto Dominguez

Facility Coordinator

Aldominguez@vsedc.org

Administration

 

Alma Secundino

Alma Secundino

Marketing Coordinator

Bryan Verdin

Bryan Verdin

Facilities

Diana Yanez

Diana Yanez

BEC Concierge

dyanez@vsedc.org

Administration

Esther Elizondo

Esther Elizondo

Business Coach

Francine Cua

Francine Cua

Staff Accountant

Gabby Alba

Gabby Alba

Assistant to Chief Operating Officer

galba@vsedc.org

Administration

Gentry Richardson

Gentry Richardson

Watts Business Source Center Program Manager

Jenee Crawford

Jenee Crawford

Sr. Project Assistant

Jennifer Laurent

Jennifer Laurent

Program Coordinator

Jonathan Kinnard

Jonathan Kinnard

Business Coach

LaVern Wilson

LaVern Wilson

Business Coach

Lisa Wright

Lisa Wright

PR & Marketing Manager

Mario Cruz

Mario Cruz

Program Assistant

mcruz@vsedc.org

Programs

 

Megan Dominguez

Megan Dominguez

Program Assistant

Terry Gubatan

Terry Gubatan

Senior Loan Officer

tgubatan@vsedc.org

Loan Services

 

Theo Rouzan

Theo Rouzan

PR Coordinator

Thai Buckman

Thai Buckman

Program Coordinator Best Buy Teen Tech Center

tbuckman@vsedc.org

Administration

 

Trey Brown

Trey Brown

Business Coach

Board of Directors

Kecia Washington

Kecia Washington

Board Chair

Click here for Bio

Board Chair Kecia Washington is the director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LAWDP). Kecia’s leadership is a critical component for the City in various relationships and initiatives involving diversity, innovation, and a sustainability workforce. She previously served as the Director of Economic Development for the LADWP, a role in which she was tasked with managing legacy economic development programs as well as developing and implementing initiatives that focus on the retention, expansion and attraction of business customers.

Kyla Lee

Kyla Lee

Board Treasurer

Click here for Bio

Board Treasurer Kyla Lee is an experienced financial and operational executive with a robust background in strategic planning, policy and procedural development, training and development, regulatory compliance, audit preparation, and more. She recently served as Chief Financial Officer for My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, where she partnered with the CEO to build the vision, strategy, and operational systems. In addition, she developed and implemented fiscal policies and procedures for the organization. Ms. Lee holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and was featured in the 2016 Making WAVES For Black History Month on Los Angeles radio station 94.7 The WAVE.

Shmel Graham

Shmel Graham

Board Secretary

Click here for Bio

Board Secretary Shmel Graham currently serves as Counsel for Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, where she uses her experience representing private developers in connection with land use entitlements, permitting issues and other real estate related matters. Her collaborative leadership has aided her tactical approach to problem-solving, communication, and the interpersonal to engage diverse stakeholders and navigate politically charged environments. She previously served as the Director of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Operations Innovation Team, Program Manager for Real Estate Asset Management Reform, and a Contract Specialist for the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety.

Beatriz “Bea” Olvera Stotzer

Beatriz “Bea” Olvera Stotzer

Board Member

Click here for Bio

Beatriz “Bea” Olvera Stotzer is CEO of NEWCapital, a real estate development firm in Los Angeles. Nationally recognized for her business leadership and family advocacy, Bea has devoted her life to creating economic and business solutions for families in poverty. Her extensive business and economic development work in Los Angeles has been invaluable in framing the vision for several organizations, in addition to the many sustained business and economic opportunities.

David Roberts

David Roberts

Board Member

Click here for Bio

David Roberts owns and manages David A. Roberts & Associates, a consulting and lobbying firm focused on client services within Greater Los Angeles. The firm specializes in public policy analysis, real estate, strategic development, public affairs, housing, and more, and has established extensive relationships with elected and appointed officials, and municipal departments and agencies

Donna Ruff

Donna Ruff

Board Member

Click here for Bio

Donna Ruff joined the Corporate Social Responsibility team, managing Supplier Diversity & Development at MUFG, Union Bank N.A. in 2018. The MUFG Union Bank, N.A. Office of Supplier Diversity and Development is committed to promoting economic vitality in the communities they serve and increasing the number of diverse business enterprises from which they purchase goods and services.

Consultants

Aja Beard, Hospitality Management

Anthony Williams, Procurement Trainings and Workshops

Avilio Rubio, Digital Marketing (Spanish)

Cassie Betts, Technology and Innovation

Christopher Felton, Web Design and Digital Marketing

Crystal Mitchell, Accounting & Taxes

Farrah Parker, PR & Marketing

Felicia Kaplan, Digital Marketing: E-commerce – The Virtual Marketplace

Frank Stokes, Business Planning

Gilbert Buchanan, Business, Loan and Contract Readiness

Gloria Dioum, Financial Strategy, Cost Analysis

Jessica Urena, Webinar Host

Kamie Taylor, Business Development, Marketing & Social Media

Dr. Karen Semien-McBride, Executive and Business Coaching and Specialized Trainings

Karen Blackwell, Program Coordination, Capacity Building, Grant Writing

Marjorie Gayle, Business Development, Human Resources

Rashunda Rene, Business Development, Business Analysis

Richard Stern, Fashion Industry Trainings and Workshops

Susan Petrella, Pitch Deck Coach

Tamika Taylor, Program Coordinator, Grant Writer

Unique Banks, Program Coordinator, Consultant