Our Mission

PACE Business Development Center is a local, non-profit organization that aims to advance the wealth of our communities. We give individuals the tools to develop sustainable businesses and successfully manage their personal finances.

Our Philosophy

"Be a partner of choice by providing the tools and resources that help businesses thrive so that they create lasting impact in our community."

The PACE Business Development Center (BDC) provides no-cost advising services and low-cost educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business.  PACE BDC business advisors work with entrepreneurs in one-to-one sessions in the areas of management, marketing, sales, finance, accounting, and other disciplines required for small business growth, expansion, and innovation.

Our History

PACE's Business Development Center (BDC), was inspired by the needs of minority business owners after Los Angeles’ 1992 civil unrest. While PACE began as an organization to serve low-income Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs), PACE clients today reflect the increasing ethnic diversity of our target areas in and around Los Angeles. PACE is recognized as a leader in addressing problems of poverty and economic inequity in minority, ethnic, and immigrant communities.

PACE BDC aspires to develop the diverse Los Angeles community by empowering small business owners with the knowledge, tools, and resources to successfully tap the marketplace and achieve their dreams. Although initially launched to provide emergency disaster loans to businesses affected by the riots, the BDC recognized the growing need to serve a broad spectrum of business owners in the market. To this end, we currently provide a variety of services for low-moderate small business owners and minority communities to not only start-up but also expand their businesses.

We are:

• A certified U.S. Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
• A U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Intermediary
• A designated SBA Women's Business Center (WBC)
• A City of Los Angeles BusinessSource Center for the Central West Region and Mid-City Region

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.