Delivering Water, Supporting Heroes

When Eduardo Molina, founder of Dust Stoppers, Inc., approached the South Valley BusinessSource Center—serving Council District 6 (CD6)—he had a clear mission: to build a fleet of water trucks (water tenders) to support emergency services and firefighting efforts across Los Angeles County. These specialized vehicles play a critical role in firefighting operations, especially in remote areas with limited access to hydrants or during large-scale incidents that require a reliable and mobile water supply.

With guidance from Hector Martinez, Senior Business Consultant, Eduardo received comprehensive technical assistance. This included developing a detailed business plan, preparing financial projections, and packaging a strong loan proposal tailored for equipment financing. Hector also connected Eduardo with lenders who understand the unique needs of emergency service contractors.

As a result of this support, Eduardo successfully secured funding of $273,000 for a new, state-of-the-art water truck—his third vehicle in operation. Fully equipped and ready for deployment, Eduardo’s growing fleet now plays a vital role in supporting local fire departments and emergency response teams by delivering thousands of gallons of water exactly where and when it’s needed most. In addition to emergency services, Dust Stoppers, Inc. provides water services to construction sites, helping to control dust and prevent airborne toxins—an important measure for health and environmental safety.

This success goes beyond business growth—it represents a meaningful contribution to public safety, environmental protection, and community resilience.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support of the BusinessSource Center. Hector helped turn an idea into a working business that’s now making a real impact.”
— Eduardo Molina

Today, Eduardo continues to expand his services and plans to add more vehicles to meet increasing demand. His journey is a powerful example of how expert guidance, strategic planning, and a clear vision can transform a mission-driven idea into a thriving business.

About ICON CDC South Valley BusinessSource Center — Annual Report Highlights (July 2024–June 2025):

• Businesses Outreached: 648

• Businesses Launched: 26

• Loans Packaged: 50

• Businesses Enrolled: 104

• Trainings and Events: 52

• Jobs Created/Retained: 63

• Total Capital Infusion: $1,913,477

These outcomes underscore ICON CDC’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in Council District 6 and beyond—helping mission-driven businesses like Dust Stoppers, Inc. make a real impact on their communities.