Launch Angelenos: Nazarian College Empowers LA Entrepreneurs

Nazarian College’s Center for Social and Technology Entrepreneurship is making a tangible impact on the greater Los Angeles region through Launch Angelenos, a three-phase program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality.

Funded by Coca Cola in partnership with the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative at Notre Dame, Los Angelenos is led by C-STE and is part of a growing national and global movement that leverages entrepreneurship to reduce poverty and economic adversity. Locally, the program is delivered with the Valley Economic Alliance and California State University, Northridge’s Office of Community Engagement.

“Launch Angelenos offers a special opportunity for 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.”

The program’s first phase, a hands-on bootcamp, recently concluded with solid participation and results, marking a strong start to the initiative. Participants gained practical skills, refined their business concepts and connected with peers and mentors.

Christopher Raymond, founder and chief executive officer of Safetee–and a CSUN graduate and program participant–highlighted how Los Angelenos has shaped his company’s development.

“Launch Angelenos has been instrumental in sharpening Safetee’s strategic direction and accelerating our progress toward a scalable safety technology platform,” says Raymond. “The program’s high-quality mentorship and structured, results-driven framework, have allowed me to move with greater clarity and purpose as a founder.”

Kene Turner, associate director of C-STE, also emphasized the program’s impact:

“The Launch Angelenos program opens the door for aspiring community members and CSUN alumni to gain hands-on learning and mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts. The opportunity to grow their businesses in community with like-minded peers has proven to be truly transformative—for participants and mentors alike.”

Looking Ahead: Mentorship and Implementation

• Phase 2: Mentorship (November 2025 – February 2026) — Personalized one-on-one guidance from experienced industry mentors.
• Phase 3: Implementation Support (February – May 2026) — Hands-on consulting from CSUN undergraduate project teams, helping entrepreneurs put their business plans into action.

Participants receive faculty-led instruction, industry mentorship, networking opportunities and practical tools. While the program’s full value is $1,700, Coca Cola scholarships reduce the cost to $25, ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs facing socioeconomic challenges.

“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.”