The Community Janitorial Venture was formed by LAEDA in its continuing work to foster economic development in the City of Camden by creating jobs and promoting and expanding minority businesses.

After receiving LAEDA's Entrepreneurial Development Training a number of graduates have started or desire to start janitorial businesses. As a means of access to markets and to other management services, a number of these graduates have a great need for training in the proper use of professional equipment and chemicals. Independent janitorial businesses also need expertise in obtaining and closing contracts, sourcing supplies, managing cleaning personnel, and administration of contracts.

These entrepreneurs need a requisite reputation in the industry and lack the capital to purchase a franchise. Furthermore, among the general population of Camden there is a great need for low-skilled jobs such as janitors.

Community Janitorial Venture addresses these needs by providing contracts for janitorial businesses, thereby enabling them to employ additional local residents as janitors. Community Janitorial Venture acts as a quasi-franchiser to provide training, customers, and management services for independent janitorial businesses.

Community Janitorial Venture trains the janitorial subcontractors in the use of cleaning supplies, managing janitorial personnel, and quality assurance. Training is complemented by a manual written by LAEDA to standardize these areas. Technical assistance is also provided in these areas to provide a consistent quality cleaning effort.