Congresswoman Maxine Water’s Community Project Funding Grant To Provide Technical Assistance and Access to Capital for Small Businesses: Community Reception for The Level Up Store
Photo Credit: Ian Foxx, iFoxx Media. (L to R) Mission Valley Bank President and CEO Tamara Gurney; CAMEO Network CEO Carolina Martinez; The Level Up Store owner, Ron Gibson; Congresswoman Maxine Waters; Macedonia Community Development Corporation (“Macedonia CDC”) Executive Director Alejandro “Alex” Guerrero; and Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) Tara Lynn Gray.
On February 21st in Inglewood, Congresswoman Maxine Waters gets the job done by showing an example of her Community Project Funding Grant for technical assistance and access to capital to micro and small businesses yielding major success in the community.
Congresswoman Waters was a keynote speaker at an event held at Ron Gibson’s The Level Up Store in Inglewood. In 2023, Ron, with his savings, a secured $3,000.00 credit card, had no line of credit, and was declined by several banks for a small business loan to provide cutting edge brand and off-brand clothing for (hip) culture. After intense one-on-one sessions with Macedonia CDC staff, preparing financial documents, and telling The Level Up Store story, Ron was able to secure the capital needed in the form of a loan from Mission Valley Bank, to finish the remodel of his brick-and-mortar store and fill it with inventory.
Ron explained, “I was sitting on the curb in front of The Level Up Store when I saw a car make a U-turn and stop in front of me. It was Congresswoman Maxine Water who wanted to introduce herself to me. By the end of the conversation, she understood I needed working capital but could not get approved for a loan. It was then she said Macedonia CDC will help you and here I am, buying the inventory I need.”
Speakers at the press conference included Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Level up Store Owner Ron Gibson; Macedonia CDC Executive Director Alejandro Guerrero; Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) Tara Lynn Gray; CAMEO Chief Executive Officer Carolina Martinez; and Mission Valley Bank President and CEO Tamara Gurney.
Photo Credit: Ian Foxx, iFoxx Media. (L to R) The Level Up Store owner, Ron Gibson and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters said, “Ron is my star! He did what he had to do to get his first bank loan. I’m looking for change and Level Up is a good small business example that helps close this wealth gap.”
“Businesses like The Level Up Store are great reminders of why California is committed to investing in entrepreneurs through our SCALE program,” said Tara Lynn Gray, director of the California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). “When small businesses have the resources they need to grow, they create jobs, build wealth, and strengthen our communities.
California remains focused on closing gaps and removing barriers so that every small business owner can reach their full economic potential.”
“Ron Gibson’s journey exemplifies the grit of California’s entrepreneurs and the power of a strong support system for small businesses and the need for the SCALE program, said Carolina Martinez, CEO of CAMEO Network. “We’re grateful to Rep. Maxine Waters, the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, and all of California’s small business advocates for their work in championing businesses like The Level Up Store. When small businesses have access to the coaching, capital, and networks they need to thrive, our entire economy is better off.”
Through the HUD Office of Community Planning and Development, Congressional Grants Division, Congresswoman Maxine Waters facilitated a One Million Dollar multi-year grant to Macedonia Community Development Corporation. The Macedonia CDC, a non-profit organization, is based in the Watts section of Los Angeles to provide one-on-one technical assistance to prepare micro and small businesses in South Los Angeles to receive access to capital to grow their businesses.
Additional support for the work Macedonia CDC is doing has come from The United States Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program to support small businesses and entrepreneurship in communities across the United States by providing capital and technical assistance to promote small business stability, growth, and success. The California Office of the Small Business Advocate, and CAMEO, California’s statewide micro-business network is made up of over 400 organizations, agencies, and individuals dedicated to furthering Micro-Business development in California.
Alejandro “Alex” Guerrero, Macedonia Community Development Corporation Executive Director said, “We believe we can provide advanced solutions that help businesses and individuals succeed in todays’ ever-changing world. Our solutions are designed to make life easier, more efficient, and more productive.”
Photo Credit: Ian Foxx. Alejandro “Alex” Guerrero, Macedonia Community Development Corporation Executive Director
Watch video of event.
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About Macedonia Community Development Corporation (“Macedonia CDC”)
Macedonia Community Development Corporation supports the development and creation of job in the Watts community and surrounding areas. Founded in 2015, the Macedonia CDC, a non-profit community organization, has expanded to meet community needs in three distinct program areas – local economic development, health and well-being and youth empowerment. Macedonia CDC also provides a micro and small business loan program available in specific communities through a partnership with the City of Los Angeles. For more information visit, www.macedoniacdc.org
About Congresswoman Maxine Waters
Congresswoman Maxine Waters is considered by many to be one of the most powerful women in American politics today. She has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color, the poor, veterans, and seniors. Congresswoman Waters has been dubbed “Aunty Maxine” by millennials who appreciate her advocacy and understanding of issues important to them.
Re-elected in November 2022 to her seventeenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives with more than 70 percent of the vote in the 43rd Congressional District of California, Congresswoman Waters represents parts of Los Angeles including the communities of Westchester and Playa Del Rey, the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County comprised of Lennox, West Athens, West Carson, Harbor Gateway, El Camino Village, and Watts. The 43rd District also includes the diverse cities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita and Torrance.
Congresswoman Waters made history as the first woman and first African American Chair of the House Financial Services Committee. An integral member of Congressional Democratic Leadership, Congresswoman Waters serves as a member of the Steering & Policy Committee and is the Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease. She is also a founding member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and member and past chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
About CAMEO Network
CAMEO Network is California’s statewide micro-business network made up of 400 organizations, agencies, and individuals dedicated to furthering Micro-Business development in California with small and micro-business financing such as loans and credit, technical assistance and business management training. Annually, CAMEO Network members serve about 200,000 very small businesses with training, business and credit assistance and loans. These firms – largely start-ups with less than six employees – support or create 300,000 new jobs in California and generate a total of $15 billion in economic activity.