Wells Fargo Bank Recognizes Pasadena Business As Community Leader

Innovate Marketing Group, a women-owned experience and event management agency in Pasadena and five other small businesses have been recognized by Wells Fargo as community champions for their service and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wells Fargo launched the Open for Business Fund to provide grants to nonprofits and community development financial institutions that support diverse small businesses impacted by COVID-19. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and Inclusive Action for the City, the Open for Business Fund recognizes and honors local small businesses.

According to a release from Wells Fargo, Los Angeles County has more than 1.3 million small businesses and more women and BIPOC-owned small businesses than any other county in the nation.

“The journey to economic recovery must be an inclusive one, given the significant economic, social and health impact COVID-19 has left on diverse small business owners,” said Gregg Sherkin, Southern California Leader for Wells Fargo Social Impact and Sustainability. “We are so proud to honor these community champions who have not only survived, but are true pillars of their community and have given so much to help others.”

The small businesses recognized as community champions are:

• The Plant Plug, an organic gardening and botany education business based in South Central Los Angeles.
• Alma “Patty” Archuleta, a clothing street vendor on 31st and San Pedro streets.
• Emma’s Meat Market, a family-owned business in Boyle Heights.
• Mi Lindo Guanajuato Restaurant in Boyle Heights.
• PearlTrans Logistics, a women-owned courier service based in Inglewood.