A Flavorful Success!

NEW Celebrates the Culinary & Entrepreneurial Spirit of LA!🎉

We at NEW- Women’s Business Center and NEW | East LA Business Source Center are still riding the energy from our Restaurant and Food Industry Conference. Held at the warm and welcoming SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey, CA, it was a day to remember, filled with passion, learning, and of course, lots of delicious food!

It all began with a room full of passionate individuals. Foodies, entrepreneurs, and dreamers all buzzing with excitement and ready to connect. The center of the event was undoubtedly the Pitch Competition, where five incredibly talented restaurant owners, fresh from completing NEW | East LA BSC’s TAP program, shared their dreams and dished out their best ideas. The air was thick with support and anticipation as each participant hoped to win part of up to 5K grant. It wasn’t just about the competition; it was about witnessing the birth of future culinary hotspots.

One of our favorite moments was the Live Food Demonstration. Chef Jonathan Perez, Macheen and Chef Leo, Leo’s Meals turned cooking steak into a symphony. It was a demonstration of a dance of flavors and flames, with each chef pouring their heart into every sizzle. Watching them, we were all reminded of the love and dedication that goes into creating unforgettable meals!

The Access to Capital panel opened up a treasure chest of knowledge. Moderated by our director, Ruth Corrales-Garcia, our experts provided financial literacy for anyone looking to nurture or grow their business in the food industry. The easygoing approach that the bank professionals took made the information simple to understand which is striking when we are discussing capital being accessible to small business owners. These are great round table discussions that serve as a foundation that can bring dreams to reality! Very big thanks to Ashlee Beildman from NEW Community Investments/ KIVA, Francisco Cruz from Accessity, Alejandra Corona Fennell from JP Morgan, Chase, and Lizbeth Da Broy from US BANK

And let’s not forget the breakout sessions! Led by visionaries from across the industry, these sessions were a chance to dive deep into the culinary world. Maria Borja & Joe S. hosted the “Food Pricing and Costing” breakout room in both English and Spanish. Rene Guzman, ABC Liquor License led the «How to Obtain State and County Liquor License» room and Ron Victor with LA County Public Health, delivering “How to Obtain Health Permits for Food Businesses”. More than that, they were an opportunity to meet well-versed professionals, exchange ideas, and create connections that we’re sure will last a lifetime.

As we look back on the day, We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you to everyone who came, shared, laughed, and learned with us. Your spirit and passion are what truly made this event magical. We promise to keep the momentum going and are already dreaming up the next gathering.