PCR Business Finance Breaks Ground on New Headquarters in Historic Crenshaw District

By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief

For years, the Crenshaw District has lacked a true business incubator—an anchor institution like PCR Business Finance. That changed last Friday when the organization took shovel to soil, breaking ground on its long-awaited regional headquarters. The move signaled a powerful shift for the district, a place that had lain dormant for over 15 years. On this bright morning, a long list of influential leaders and community supporters gathered as PCR’s leadership and board members made a symbolic and strategic gesture toward revitalization and long-term investment in Crenshaw.

Investments in the community’s future were exactly what attendees came to witness. PCR Business Finance, a nonprofit lender and trusted advisor to small businesses across Los Angeles County since 1977, is now planting permanent roots in the neighborhood—directly across the street from iconic landmarks like the Buddha Market and down the street is the beloved Julia Hairweev. After nearly five decades of service, this moment marks a monumental milestone for PCR and the community it uplifts.

The celebration was filled with emotion and testimonies, reflecting the organization’s profound economic impact. Arnetta Mack, owner and founder of Mack Enterprises—who also provided signage for the event—took to the stage bursting with energy. She shared her journey of receiving PCR’s counseling and technical assistance services, praising the team’s unwavering support and vast referral network. “They helped me with everything I needed to grow,” she said, echoing the sentiments of many.

Following her was Joe Ward-Wallace of South LA Café, who spoke about the frustration he felt navigating business ownership, even with all the right credentials. He explained how PCR stepped in during a critical moment, providing the guidance and access he had been struggling to find. “PCR made the difference,” Ward-Wallace said. On Friday, these and many more stories were on full display—a testament to the organization’s life-changing impact.

Collette Moore, Executive Director of PCR Business Finance, stood proudly as she announced the development of the new regional headquarters at 3804 W. Slauson Avenue, in the heart of the Crenshaw District. She described the groundbreaking as more than just construction—it was a continuation of PCR’s legacy. The event also launched PCR’s 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign, a $4.5 million initiative designed to complete the new facility and expand services countywide. This investment in both people and place represents a powerful promise for future generations of entrepreneurs.

The celebration was attended by a who’s who of government officials, business partners, and community leaders, including:
– Compton Mayor Emma Sharif
– Long Beach Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk
– U.S. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove’s District Representative, Jackson Benarroch
– CA Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas’ Senior Field Representative, Carlos Penilla
– CA Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s District Director, Michell Persoff, and Field Representative Ethan Edwards
– LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s Deputy of Constituent Engagement, Tracy McGee
– LA County Assessor Jeffrey Prang’s Field Deputy, Ian May
– LA Metro Board Director Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker
– SBA Deputy Associate Administrator Victor Parker

Moore stated, “This new facility is more than a building—it’s a promise to the small business owners who drive our local economy.” She added, “We are proud to build our permanent home in a space that reflects both our history and our future.”

For years, the site at 3804 W. Slauson sat vacant, once home to the Global Beat Annex Institute & Gift Shop, known for multicultural education and programming. PCR plans to carry forward this spirit of community by transforming the site into a vibrant hub for financial education, small business advisory services, and capital access. As Mack emphasized, these services are critical now more than ever in a community still recovering from economic neglect.

PCR’s story began in 1977 with the vision and endorsement of Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Today, it stands as the only organization in LA County with dual designation as both a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Its legacy is built on results:

• $500 million+ in capital deployed

• 4,500+ direct and indirect loans issued

• 20,000+ entrepreneurs served

• 45,000+ jobs supported or created

Notably, PCR has played a critical role in supporting small businesses impacted by Metro construction. Since 2014, it has managed LA Metro’s Business Interruption Fund (BIF), providing nearly $45.5 million in grants to almost 500 small businesses affected by projects like the Crenshaw/LAX Line, the Regional Connector, and the Purple Line Extension. Dupont-Walker highlighted the fund’s success during the ceremony. One such grant recipient, Greg Dulan, Owner, Dulan’s on Crenshaw, catered the event with a soulful spread reflective of the neighborhood’s culinary heritage.

And true to its commitment to support every facet of community success, even cleanup services were handled by a PCR client. Flipside Event Cleanup, a recipient of PCR’s SBDC support, managed sanitation and restroom services with care and professionalism.

As PCR approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, Moore said, “This new headquarters represents PCR’s commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and the resilience of Los Angeles’ small business community.”

Indeed, this groundbreaking was not just about constructing a building. It was about cultivating a future for Crenshaw—one loan, one business, one entrepreneur at a time.

Looking to start or grow a business you should give PCR a call or visit: www.pcrcorp.org for your success.