Three Decades of Service
Founded in 1988 as the primary job training and placement center for SELA residents, Hub Cities has been providing economic development services to the SELA region for over thirty-five years. Hub Cities offers a variety of tools for both job seekers and employers including job search assistance, recruitment and outreach, vocational training, needs assessments, and career counseling. Moreover, to equip residents with the tools they need to be successful, Hub Cities Centers houses computers and other technology that community members can use to access job listings, career information, and training resources. In addition to being a career center, Hub Cities is also at the forefront of social impact. The organization offers career assistance programs catered toward youth who are low income, on probation or experiencing homelessness. The diverse range of services provided by Hub Cities prepares SELA residents to enter the workforce and take advantage of the opportunities that await them.
Opportunities for Growth
Prior to COVID-19, Hub Cities collaborated with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to host workshops for community partners and small businesses aimed at sharing knowledge and resources. This year, with funding from the California Community Foundation administered through the SELA Collaborative, Hub Cities is working to support economic recovery in the region by educating small businesses through an updated workshop series.
The primary goal of the workshops is to uplift small businesses with resources that can improve their overall performance. Workshops present a unique opportunity for business owners in the SELA region to network amongst themselves and share knowledge. To ensure accessibility to workshops, Hub Cities has partnered with the Small Business Development Center and each respective community’s Chamber of Commerce to conduct outreach.
The workshops covered a diverse range of topics shown in the graphic to the right.
Participants reported attending the workshops primarily to advance their business knowledge, improve their marketing strategies, and increase funding opportunities for first-time business owners. Following the convenings, small business owners expressed that the workshops created an opportunity for them to envision what their business could be and to turn their visions into reality. In addition, attendees were grateful to have the chance to hear from other entrepreneurs and aspiring or first-time business owners in SELA. Through these workshops, Hub Cities is building a culture in the Southeast that fosters entrepreneurship and economic growth.
“Through these workshops I got a clearer sense of what I need to do to develop a mission and vision for my business.”
Creating a Vibrant and Sustainable Sector
Hub Cities is dedicated to ensuring that local businesses not only succeed, but also become enduring pillars of the SELA community for generations to come. Nearly 90% of Hub Cities staff call Southeast LA home, and the organization has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that local entrepreneurs face. Moreover, their team recognizes the vital role that these businesses play in shaping the character and economy of the SELA region. Through tailored training programs, mentorship, and access to vital networks, Hub Cities fosters an environment where entrepreneurs can grow and innovate, ultimately contributing to the overall vibrancy and resilience of the community. By investing in local business leaders, Hub Cities aims to cultivate a thriving landscape that uplifts all residents of Southeast LA.
The Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative is a network of organizations working together to strengthen the capacity of the nonprofit sector and increase civic engagement in Southeast LA. Founded in 2011 by eleven core organizations, the Collaborative seeks to revitalize the communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Florence-Firestone, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, South Gate, Vernon, and Walnut Park.
These grantee vignettes highlight the work and impact of individual Collaborative members, each of whom have a long history of serving and advocating in partnership with residents of Southeast Los Angeles. Read more about the SELA region here.
Author
Emily Phillips
Emily (she/her) is the Project Specialist at Neighborhood Data for Social Change. Emily received her Master in Public Policy with a specialization in advocacy communications from the USC Price School in the Spring of 2024. Prior to relocating to Southern California, Emily grew up in Phoenix and then obtained her BA in Political Science and Global Studies from Loyola University Chicago. Her main focus incudes policy advocacy across a variety of policy areas including housing, health, and racial justice. She is passionate about community engagement and social impact.
