Impact of Healthcare Law on California Small Businesses Focal Point of Bilingual Event
Event conducted in both English and Spanish, open to all small businesses; chance for entrepreneurs to learn about new small business and individual marketplaces, and how to enroll in one of the health insurance marketplaces
Los Angeles, Calif.—Volunteers of East Los Angeles (VELA), in conjunction with small business organization Small Business Majority, will host an interactive event on Thursday, January 8, 2015 on the healthcare law's impact on California small businesses and how entrepreneurs can benefit from the state's health insurance marketplaces, Covered California.
"We believe it's important for small business owners to learn more about the healthcare law, California's new marketplace and how it all affects them," said Grace Gonzalez, Executive Director for VELA. "These interactive dialogues are a great way for small businesses to get the information they need to take advantage of and comply with key provisions of the healthcare law, and for us to get feedback on their thoughts and concerns."
The free event, which is open to all small business owners, will feature Small Business Majority's Southern California Outreach Manager, Marcia Davalos, who will discuss the topics most relevant to small businesses. These include how the marketplace functions for self-employed business owners, small business tax credits, wellness grants and cost containment provisions. Davalos will also provide detailed information on California's health insurance marketplace where small business owners can pool their buying power to help drive down insurance costs. Davalos will explain how the marketplace functions and how small business owners can join now that open enrollment has started.
A question and answer period will follow the discussion. Local bilingual English-Spanish Certified Enrollment Counselors (CEC's), certified insurance agents, healthcare providers and other healthcare experts will be available for assistance.
"Access to these new options, either the small business portal or the individual marketplace, will provide new options for many entrepreneurs to obtain health insurance for their families and their employees," said Davalos. "Events like these help small business owners get the information they need to make informed decisions."
The event will be conducted in both English and Spanish at Centro Maravilla Service Center and will take place on Thursday, January 8 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. PST. For more information, please contact Marcia Davalos, (818) 804-8229.
About Volunteers of East Los Angeles
VELA "The Light of the Community" is a 501c3, non-profit agency in East Los Angeles that has served the community over 25 years providing an array of services and programs. One such program is eastLAworks that provides development assistance, advice, and needed resources to small businesses. Small businesses are the heart of East LA, especially to Latino and Asian entrepreneurs. VELA has been hosting the East LA Farmer's Market and the Valinda Farmer's Market for the past eight (8) years. VELA also incorporates health education workshops at the Farmer's Markets, and through school-based and community-based programs. VELA is a Covered California Certified Enrollment Entity.
Mission Statement
Empower Individuals, Families and Businesses by Facilitating Access to Resources and Providing Services that will Enhance our Neighborhoods.
Vision Statement
A Community that is Resilient, Confident and Healthy, both Physically and Economically.
VELA is located at 4743 E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90022. For more information, please call (323) 263-4462 and/or e-mail: [email protected].
Also, please visit website www.velaela.org. Bilingual English-Spanish staff; hours are Monday — Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.