Empowering Entrepreneurs in the Antelope Valley: A Success Story
In a powerful collaboration with AV Mompreneurs, a dynamic organization based in Palmdale dedicated to supporting women and families, NEW-WBC brought the “12 Steps to Launch a Business” workshop series to the heart of the Antelope Valley. What followed was a truly inspiring journey of growth, learning, and transformation.
Over the course of the 6-part webinar series, more than 22 individuals—ranging from aspiring entrepreneurs to those already in the early stages of business—gathered to learn how to turn their ideas into thriving ventures. The series provided the essential building blocks for success: business planning, purpose-driven strategy, sales techniques, team-building, operations management, and more. Each session offered valuable insights and real-world tools to help participants navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with clarity and confidence.
The journey began by helping participants explore the entrepreneurial mindset and identify business ideas that aligned with their skills, passions, and community needs. From there, they dove into defining the purpose behind their businesses—their “why”—and crafting a compelling mission that could set them apart in the market. In the following sessions, they tackled the art of sales, learning how to find and convert customers, and then shifted focus to the importance of building a strong support network, emphasizing that no one builds a business alone.
The fifth session addressed how to create streamlined systems and processes to keep operations running smoothly. It all came together in the final session, where participants put their new knowledge into action in a live pitch competition. It was an electrifying moment as they confidently presented their business ideas in front of a panel of judges, showcasing their preparation, determination, and creativity.
By the end of the series, nine entrepreneurs had completed the full program and graduated with a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment. Their dedication was evident not only in their attendance but in the passion they brought to every discussion, assignment, and ultimately, their final pitch.
We proudly celebrate the accomplishments of Crystal Barrow, Marsha Jones, Karina Aguiar, Shena Guzman, Karen Lopez, Angela Scurry-Herrera, Leslie McCarty, Alex Wins, and Miriam Robles. These individuals are now better equipped to launch and grow their businesses, and we are confident that they will make meaningful contributions to their communities.
This workshop series is a reflection of our shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in underserved areas. Thanks to AV Mompreneurs and the vibrant community of the Antelope Valley, we’ve taken another step toward building a more inclusive and resilient small business ecosystem in Los Angeles County.
Congratulations to all of our graduates. Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you next.
Irene Vazquez
Project Manager
818-650-1168
