Economic Resources Corporation
Creating Opportunity Throughout Greater Los Angeles Since 1968
Who We Are
Formed in 1968 in response to the outcry for equitable investments in South Los Angeles after the Watts civil uprising, the Economic Resources Corporation (ERC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance economic development in Los Angeles’ historically underserved communities by investing in real estate, property management and technical assistance that supports local entrepreneurship and job growth, with the goal of creating avenues to wealth for those who have been impacted by the legacy of structural racism.
A Legacy of Transformation
ERC Founded
ERC is a nonprofit organization incorporated business that serves the public interest. While our mission guides our agenda to provide a public benefit to underserved communities, our operations are governed by sound business management principles and values. Our corporate culture is based on a sense of community, consistent goals, effective collaboration, and organization commitment.
ERC is managed by its Board of Directors who set policy and direction. Board members are prominent leaders of the business and professional community of Los Angeles. Collectively they offer many years of expertise and ensure that ERC meets the needs of the communities it serves.
ERC is managed by its Board of Directors who set policy and direction. Board members are prominent leaders of the business and professional community of Los Angeles. Collectively they offer many years of expertise and ensure that ERC meets the needs of the communities it serves.
ERC Develops Watts' First Industrial Park
ERC develops 50-acre industrial park, with Lockheed Martin as first tenant, creating over 2,400 jobs in Watts, boosting the economy and uplifting the community.
ERC Develops First Shopping Center in Watts
ERC develops the Martin Luther King Jr Shopping Center, consisting of 117,000 sqft of retail space. This center helps grow the local economy, creating jobs for the community and opportunities for small businesses.
ERC Capital Fund Ventures Launches
ERC provides $500,000 in seed capital to help launch ERC Capital Fund Ventures Partnership, the first fund of its kind West of the Mississippi to invest in minority owned businesses.
ERC Purchased 4277 Western Ave.
The site is home to Children’s Institute Inc. that transforms lives of children exposed to adversity and poverty in Los Angeles by providing early childhood education and other youth and family services.
EDA, YMCA and ERC Partner To Develop Child Care Facility
U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA), the YMCA of Greater Long Beach and ERC partner to help transform a former bank into a modern state of the art child care facility.
ERC Partners With Childrens Institute, Inc.
ERC and the Children’s Institute Inc. (CII) partner together to build networks of care that respond to local needs, create more trauma-informed space, and increase capacity for healing and resilience.
Success Stories
Child Care
Drew Child Development
“ERC is a true community stakeholder. They’re attentive, collaborative, seek out resources for the betterment of the community, and we share a similar mission, vision, and investment in serving families. ERC is committed to helping businesses like ours thrive, so we view them as a partner and an expansion of our services. We serve over 11,000 children and families annually by providing stable and safe environments to help them succeed once they leave our program. It couldn’t be a better fit.”
Jackie Clarke, CFO/COO
Drew Child Development Corporation
Jackie Clarke, CFO/COO
Drew Child Development Corporation
Manufacturer
JP Sportswear
“We’re an active sportswear manufacturing company that supports countless jobs in the local community. Most of our employees live within an 8–10 mile radius of the ERC Business Park, and our average employee has been here for more than 15 years. We’re proud to work with ERC and have the opportunity to provide stable employment and help our community thrive.”
Bill Metscher, President
JP Sportswear
Bill Metscher, President
JP Sportswear
Social services
Eggelston Youth Centers
For over 40 years Eggelston Youth Centers Inc. has assisted Los Angeles County in addressing the growing needs of childhood trauma, mental illness, emotional problems, substance abuse, and domestic violence. ERC has partnered with Eggleston to provide quality, affordable office space at its Leimert Park location.