Empowering LA Entrepreneurs: C-STE Introduces “Launch Angelenos”
Media Contact: Pamela Russell, pam.russell@csun.edu, (818) 677-6339
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2025) – California State University, Northridge’s Center for Social and Technology Entrepreneurship today introduced Launch Angelenos, a three-phase program for aspiring entrepreneurs across Los Angeles. The initiative, housed at the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, is designed to help participants turn their business ideas into reality.
Funded by the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative and led by the University of Notre Dame, Launch Angelenos is part of a growing national and global movement that leverages entrepreneurship to reduce poverty. Locally, the program will be delivered in partnership with the Valley Economic Alliance and CSUN’s Office of Community Engagement.
“Launch Angelenos offers a special opportunity to support entrepreneurs who might not have access to resources, training or networks,” says Joanne Scillitoe, executive director of the Center for Social and Technology Entrepreneurship, or C-STE, and Paul Jennings Chair in Entrepreneurship at Nazarian College. “With the help of UPBI and our local partners, we are building a strong ecosystem for innovation and community empowerment here in Los Angeles.”
Program phases:
- Phase 1: Bootcamp Training (Sept. 18 – Oct. 30, 2025) — In-person sessions at the Valley Economic Alliance, located in Sherman Oaks.
- Phase 2: Mentorship (November 2025 – February 2026) — Personalized one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors.
- Phase 3: Implementation Support (February – May 2026) — Hands-on consulting through CSUN undergraduate project teams, helping entrepreneurs put their business plans into action.
Participants will receive expert instruction from Nazarian College faculty, mentorship from industry professionals, guest speakers, networking opportunities, and practical tools to launch or grow their businesses.
The program’s full value is $1,700, but thanks to UPBI scholarships, most participants will pay only $25.
Eligibility is open to adults 18 years and older across the Los Angeles region and is particularly for those facing socioeconomic challenges who want to turn their business ideas into reality.
“Launch Angelenos is designed to create not just entrepreneurs, but lasting businesses that strengthen our neighborhoods,” says Chandra Subramaniam, dean of Nazarian College. “This is a powerful example of what can be achieved when universities and community partners work hand in hand.”
About Launch Angelenos
Launch Angelenos is a locally tailored entrepreneurship program powered by CSUN’s Center for Social and Technology Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Valley Economic Alliance and the CSUN Office of Community Engagement. Funded by the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative at the University of Notre Dame, the program provides training, mentorship, and hands-on support to help underserved entrepreneurs in Los Angeles turn their ideas into thriving businesses.
About David Nazarian College of Business and Economics
The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics at California State University, Northridge, is one of the largest business schools in the country with nearly 6,800 students. Located in Northridge, California, the business school prepares students to be career-ready immediately after graduation with its comprehensive degree programs and professional skills certifications from Bloomberg, Google+, IBM, Microsoft, HubSpot, Hootsuite, SAP and other industry leaders.
About UPBI
The Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI), coordinated by the University of Notre Dame’s McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business, is a national alliance of universities and nonprofits dedicated to addressing poverty through entrepreneurship. With programs active in more than 50 U.S. cities and globally, UPBI provides research-driven training, mentoring, consulting, and microcredit pathways to help transform lives and communities.
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