Lending a hand: Vladimir Victorio, chief of the loan operation at the Valley Economic Development Center, works to meet rising business demand for his services.(People)(Interview) From: San Fernando Valley Business Journal | Date: September 15, 2003| Author: Fox, Jacqueline | COPYRIGHT 2003 CBJ, L.P. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

THE Valley business community is having another difficult year as increases in workers' comp and health care premiums pile on top of other high costs for companies.

Among the hardest hit are small businesses. So it should come as no surprise to learn that loan applications for financial assistance through the Valley Economic Development Center are up from a year ago. Double in fact for micro-loans of up to $25,000 and funding through the VEDC-sponsored Small Business Adm...