Graziadio Alum on the Growth of LA’s Startup Scene
A Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Management MBA alum recently took to the keyboard to author an article on the thriving entrepreneurial community in Los Angeles.
Nobel Chang, (MBA ’15) co-founded Radiant Sky Energy, an asset management company specializing in the business of solar power.
In his article, Chang cites a recent study by the Kauffman Foundation which publishes indices of startup activity in metro areas around the country. The index ranked LA third—a surprisingly higher position than San Francisco. Chang attributes several initiatives on the part of the city government to encourage entrepreneurial growth.
In 2014, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti launched the Entrepreneur in Residence Program, which places business leaders in policy-shaping roles meant to boost the economy and to create jobs. A fellow alum of Chang’s, Jason Nazar of Comparably.com, is a member of the Entrepreneur in Residence Program.
The LA Business Portal is another example Chang offers of the city’s efforts to strengthen the startup scene. An open source platform designed to guide business owners from inception through development, the portal also educates entrepreneurs on tax laws and policies.
Chang acknowledges Graziadio’s role in the startup community of the city as well, noting the school’s new incubator for MBAs, the Peate Institute for Entrepreneurship.
“Our civic leaders have positioned Los Angeles as a startup mecca; now they need to double down to help that environment – and our regional economy—stay ahead of the pack. Standing with Los Angeles, I see past the horizon; the future indeed looks very bright,” Chang said.
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
