We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Acevedo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
As a Business Consultant in the City of Los Angeles, I’ve made it my mission to support the small business owners who are the backbone of our communities—especially those in underserved, low-to-moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods. Far too often, these entrepreneurs—many of them immigrants—are unaware of the resources and support available to them through the City. These aren’t just businesses; they are cultural landmarks, community cornerstones, and family legacies that have stood the test of time through resilience and sheer determination.
I am especially passionate about serving these business owners because I see myself in their stories. I come from hardworking immigrant parents who faced their own struggles due to language barriers and a lack of access to information. They didn’t know what support existed—and that’s something I work every day to change for others.
When I joined Managed Career Solutions, I did so because I believed in the mission and the people behind it. I was inspired by the leadership of our Director, a friend and mentor who taught me not only about business, but also about the heart and needs of our local communities.
Being born and raised in Los Angeles, it’s a privilege to serve the city I call home. I don’t just consult with small businesses—I connect with families, listen to their journeys, and help them build their dreams. These businesses are more than economic ventures; they are legacies, built with passion and love, and they deserve every opportunity to thrive.
Many of the businesses I serve are not only unaware of the flexible capital options available to them, but they’re also left behind in the fast-moving world of technology. From digital branding to social media and e-commerce, they often lack the tools or guidance to stay competitive in a digital age.
My mission is to bridge that gap. I strive to empower these businesses and the families behind them with the resources, knowledge, and confidence to grow, create generational wealth, and continue shaping the vibrant culture of Los Angeles.
Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Many people are surprised when I tell them I started my career in the television industry. After graduating from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), I dove into the world of media, storytelling, and production. I loved it—especially the creativity and the storytelling aspect—but over time, my heart began to shift. I felt a deeper calling to do something more meaningful, to make a real impact in people’s lives. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, and I realized I wanted to use my skills and passion in a way that served a greater purpose.
That shift led me to the San Fernando Valley, where I took on a marketing role at the City of LA’s BusinessSource Center. I’ll admit—at the time, I knew very little about the world of small business. I came from a world of red carpets and film sets, not balance sheets and business plans. But little did I know, this role would be the start of something transformative—not just for me, but for the people I would go on to serve.
Just two weeks into the job, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and everything changed. Businesses were closing their doors, landlords were demanding rent, and owners were in a state of panic and uncertainty. That’s when I was introduced to small business lending—helping connect business owners with emergency loans, city grants, and the resources they desperately needed to survive. Seeing the direct impact of that support—the relief in their eyes, the gratitude in their voices—was powerful. It made me fall in love with the work. I had found my purpose.
What I believe sets me apart in this field is how deeply I connect with the people I serve. I take the time to truly understand their stories, their struggles, their dreams. I see my own parents in them, or close friends. I know firsthand what it means to navigate a system without knowing the language or the resources available. And I always ask myself—if I don’t help them, who will?
That mindset drives everything I do. I make it a priority to surround myself with people in my network who genuinely care—people who uplift, advocate for, and value the small business community. Because our local businesses are more than storefronts—they’re essential contributors to our economy, our neighborhoods, and our culture.
With the support of an incredible team, I’ve had the honor of receiving recognition along the way, including being named a Woman of Philanthropy by Comerica Bank at the Lakers court and a Rising Star by the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce. I’m incredibly grateful—but more than any award, it’s the appreciation from the small business owners that means the most to me. That moment when someone smiles and says, “Thank you, you really helped me”—that’s the greatest reward of all.
It’s humbling, it’s motivating, and it reminds me every day: this is exactly what I was meant to do.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My path hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been full of pivots, new directions, and unexpected challenges. But through every twist and turn, there’s always been someone—a mentor, a believer—who’s helped me find the courage to take the next step.
Back when I worked in television, one person who made a lasting impact on me was Jana. I’ll always be grateful for her. She saw strengths in me that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself. She believed in my potential before I could even see it—and she pushed me to rise in an industry where I often held myself back out of fear. Looking back, I realize I was afraid of growth, of stepping into bigger roles—but Jana didn’t let me stay in that comfort zone. Thanks to her encouragement, I moved up. She helped me build the confidence and discipline that would later carry me through a major career transition.
Leaving the TV industry to start fresh in a completely different world was no small leap. There were moments when I felt completely lost, unsure of who I was or where I belonged. That’s when Luis Luna —someone I now have the honor of working alongside. He saw potential in me at a time when I was still trying to find my footing. He taught me everything I know about small business, lending, and capital—topics I knew little about before. But he never doubted my ability to learn, and his guidance gave me the foundation I needed to grow. To this day, I’m still learning, and I owe a great deal of that to him.
In the past four years working in small business lending, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to cross paths with so many inspiring individuals who have poured their knowledge, values, and heart into me. Susan, for example, holds a special place in my heart. Whenever I doubted myself, she was the voice of reassurance. She reminded me of my strengths and lifted me up with her words and presence. Every conversation with her left me more grounded and more prepared to face the challenges ahead.
Life has a way of placing the right people in your path at the right time. In this industry especially, I’ve met mentors, colleagues, and friends who have generously shared their time and wisdom—each one leaving a lasting mark. I may have a long list of names, but I carry every one of them with me. Whether through encouragement, guidance, or a single piece of advice, they’ve all helped shape the professional I am today—and the person I continue striving to become.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for us has always been referrals—both from our trusted partners and the small business owners we’ve had the honor of helping. Our clients are primarily small business owners, many of whom come to us through relationships we’ve built with professionals who share our mission. I’ve spent years cultivating a strong network of bankers, nonprofit leaders, technical assistance providers, and other community organizations—people who are truly aligned with our values and care deeply about supporting the small business community.
There’s something powerful about surrounding yourself with people who are equally committed to making a difference. These partners don’t just refer clients to us—they trust us to support them the right way, with compassion and follow-through.
But what means the most is when our own clients refer their friends and family to us. That’s when we know we’re doing something right. When we help a business owner and they say, “I want my brother, my cousin, or my neighbor to get this same support,” that’s the highest compliment. It’s not just word-of-mouth—it’s trust, it’s community, and it’s how real impact spreads.
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