The Mercado is a landmark marketplace and community hub, as well as the realization of Esperanza's mission to achieve comprehensive community development to build power, self-sufficiency, and sustained economic development in South Los Angeles. BY PROVIDING AFFORDABLE RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, START-UP CAPITAL AND SUPPORT, MERCADO LA PALOMA SEEKS TO CREATE BUSINESS OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND LIVING WAGE JOBS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND TO OFFER NEEDED GOODS, SERVICES, AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO RESIDENTS AND EMPLOYEES WHO RETAIN SPENDING IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. BY HOSTING ART EXHIBITS, MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCES, SPOKEN WORD, FILM SHOWINGS AND OTHER EVENTS MERCADO LA PALOMA SEEKS TO SUPPORT AND SHOWCASE LOCAL ARTISTS, PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY ART AND CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND IMPART THE UNIQUE HERITAGE OF THE AREAS RESIDENTS THROUGH THE NON-PROFIT OFFICES AND OUR AFFORDABLE MEETING ROOM THAT HOSTS A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY MEETINGS, EVENTS AND CLASSES. BY CREATING A WARM AND WELCOMING GATHERING SPACE FULL OF GUESTS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND OPEN TO THEIR IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS, MERCADO LA PALOMA PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPOWERMENT, ENJOYMENT AND CONNECTION STRENGTHENING EXISTING SOCIAL TIES AND CRE