Some good news before the holidays: the Metro Crenshaw/LAX Proejct’s Business Solution Center is opening tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 19) at the Los Angeles Urban League location of 3450 Mount Vernon Drive (see above map). An open house will be held next month when the Business Solution Center’s website will also premiere. In the meantime, this is a chance to get the doors of the Center open and for staff to begin meeting members of the local business community.

The Business Solution Center was authorized earlier this year by the Metro Board of Directors to help small businesses along the Crenshaw Boulevard corridor — particularly between 48th and 60th streets — cope with construction of the light rail line.

Local business owners will be taken through a formal ‘intake’ process by a dedicated case manager — in other words, a case manager whose job entails understanding the particular circumstances facing each merchant. Case managers will help business owners with assistance on a range of issues from how to boost foot traffic to their stores and how to better advertise. All services are provided free of charge. The Business Solutions Center will also provide business owners with referrals to other business service providers and resources.

The Business Solution Center’s standard hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Center will have the following hours over the holidays:

Dec. 22 & 23: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 24 & 25: closed

Dec. 29 & 30: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 31, Jan. 1-2: closed

If you’re a business owner in the area, please feel free to stop by the Center during open hours to introduce yourself. Business Solution Center staff will also be out in the community introducing themselves to merchants.