Business Expo Coming to San Fernando Valley to Help Local Business Owners

For Immediate Release Contact: Angie Sparks Wednesday, September 9, 2009 (805) 498-8718 ext. 104 angie@mustangmktg.com Business Expo Coming to San Fernando Valley to Help Local Business Owners Access Financing During Economic Crisis Granada Hills, Calif. –Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC) invites San Fernando Valley business owners and entrepreneurs to their Where’s the Money? Access to Capital Business Expo, to be held Saturday, September 12, 2009, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Odyssey Banquet Hall. This resource-filled event, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, is designed specifically for business owners seeking financing and alternative lending options during this economic downturn. Where’s the Money? will feature a business resource expo, educational and financial workshops and one-on-one loan consultations. In addition, it will offer entrepreneurs a unique networking opportunity with various business lenders. Activities also include a networking breakfast with opening remarks from Marla Vasquez, Wells Fargo Community Bank Regional President for the San Fernando Valley, and a power luncheon to conclude the event. "Wells Fargo is proud to be a long-time supporter of the Valley Economic Development Center and the 'Where's The Money' event to assist businesses in the San Fernando Valley," said Marla Vasquez, Wells Fargo Community Bank Regional President for the San Fernando Valley. "The San Fernando Valley is an important economic region and VEDC is a key resource for helping local business owners." VEDC is hosting this event in an effort to give San Fernando Valley business owners the opportunity to find lending options that may be scarce during a time of tightening credit and economic distress. “In 2008, VEDC was successful in securing $22 million in debt financing for our clients and guaranteed over $5 million in lending,” said Roberto Barragan, VEDC president. “This year, we have obtained an additional $16 million in loan capital for businesses. This translates into jobs as well as a healthier economy. In partnership with local banks, we’re proud to host this event for the business owners who are in need of capital.” Other supporters of Where’s the Money? include the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), VEDC’s Women’s Business Center, Pacoima Development Federal Credit Union, Citibank, San Fernando Valley Financial Development Corporation, the City of Los Angeles, Comerica Bank, Union Bank, Cal National Bank, City National Bank, Bank of America, and the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. Tickets are $10, which includes all expo activities plus breakfast and lunch. To register for this event, contact Marsel Watts at (818) 907-9922 or at mwatts@vedc.org or log onto www.vedc.org for more information. About VEDC VEDC is L.A.’s largest non-profit business development corporation. For over 30 years, VEDC has sought out to create and sustain jobs and business in our communities by providing high-quality economic development services. ###