Credit Union West Fosters Workforce Development and Entrepreneurialism Through WestVentures

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 13, 2025

To support the need for workforce development in the Phoenix area, Credit Union West has collaborated with the Pendergast Elementary School District and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce to launch WestVentures, an entrepreneurial center focused on skill-building and career growth.

The center, which is located in a previously vacant, secure, and publicly accessible space at Villa de Paz Elementary School in Phoenix, will empower small business owners, with a special emphasis on minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurs, foster startup growth, and offer entrepreneurial education to students. As a business incubator, WestVentures will provide business curriculum content and mentorship opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to develop and grow their businesses.

The project started with strategic conversations between Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Superintendent of the Pendergast Elementary School District, and Maria Brunner, Community Impact Manager at Credit Union West, both board members of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. The vision of the partnership focused on a partnership with community organizations to support workforce development and promote generational wealth.

“Credit Union West is diligently working to launch an enhanced suite of business products and partner with community organizations to support workforce development and promote generational wealth,” explained Karen Roch, Credit Union West President and CEO. “WestVentures is just one of the many ways we are investing in our community, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for small businesses to succeed.”

Given the Phoenix area’s diverse and growing population – 68% Latino and a significant number of working-age residents – this initiative aims to foster economic advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups, including immigrants, who are statistically more likely to start businesses. WestVentures will use its unique connection with Villa de Paz Elementary School by offering students, who are developing advanced coding and technology skills, real-world experience by having them assist small businesses with website development, video production, podcasting, and more – thus creating a mutually beneficial impact in the community.

The project was made possible by financial support from the CU West CARES Charitable Foundation and the GoWest Foundation. “The grant from the GoWest Foundation proved to be the catalytic in keeping the project alive,” said Ryan O’Connor, Credit Union West’s VP, Marketing & Communications. The funds were used to renovate the space on the Villa de Paz Elementary School campus to feature a shared office working environment as well as a high-functioning maker space.

A ribbon-cutting event in March is planned to both celebrate the center’s opening and to raise awareness of in the community.

GoWest Foundation Grants

If your credit union wants to collaboratively tackle challenges around workforce housing, small business support, or rural access to financial services in your community, reach out to the GoWest Foundation at [email protected].

Posted in All Articles, Community Impact, Economic Empowerment, Financial Education, Grants.