Local businesses are the heart and soul of every community. They provide jobs, contribute to our economy, and add unique character to the entire neighborhood. Our office is committed to fostering a thriving business environment that supports local entrepreneurs and strengthens our overall community. We are currently hosting a series of workshops to connect local businesses to major events, such as the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Superbowl and the 2028 Olympic Games. Dates for the next Small Business Workshop will be announced closer to the events. 

Essential Resources & Tools

Small Business Grants & Opportunities:

• Los Angeles Business Portal: The LA Business Portal provides you with all of the information you need to plan, start, manage, and grow your business. Try our Start Up Guide to quickly map out how to register your new business and be compliant. Explore a rich library of content and resources to help you manage and grow your business.
• City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs: DCA’s Cultural Grants Program invests in free and low-cost activities and projects for the public proposed by nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations with a primary purpose to provide arts/cultural services, or arts-friendly charitable organizations (e.g. 501(c)3, 501(c)6, etc.).
• Black Business Association: The Black Business Association (BBA), headquartered in Los Angeles, is the oldest active ethnic business organization in the state of California. This organization is committed to ensuring that African Americans and other BIPOC community business owners benefit from our advocacy efforts to impact, improve, and implement policy that improves access to contracting and procurement opportunities with the public and private sector, in addition to providing access to financial resources.
• Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA): To certify your business with the city and bid on opportunities, visit: https://bca.lacity.gov/contracting
• RAMP: For general city and Olympic-related contracts and opportunities, visit: https://www.rampla.org/s/

Business Workshops and Training & General Resources:

• Business Source Centers:
  • Economic Workforce Development Department (EWDD): Access business hiring, training, and capital resources at: https://ewdd.lacity.gov/index.php/local-business/businesssource-centers
  • PACE LA: Business Training and Technical Assistance is available to all people. Visit: https://pacela.org/our-work/business/
  • Vermont-Slauson Economic Development Center: The South Los Angeles Business Source Center located at Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) provides affordable business assistance services, financial assistance, entrepreneurial training and economic development to individuals and businesses in California. https://vsedc.org/businesssource-centers/
• Chambers of Commerce
  • Korean American Chamber of Commerce: The Korean American Chamber of Commerce supports Korean American businesses through advocacy, networking and resources. For more information, visit: https://lakacc.com/. 
  • Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAACC): GLAAACC promotes the economic development of African American Businesses in the Greater Los Angeles Area. 
• LA28: Learn about the organization spearheading the Olympics in the region: https://la28.org/en/faqs.html

Partnerships with Local Organizations:

Our office is happy to partner with local organizations to further the success of any event. If your organization is interested in partnering with us on an event, contact our District Office at (323) 276-4917.'

Community Outreach:

We promote local businesses through community events, social media, and other outreach efforts. To partner with our office, please reach out to cd10.constituentservices@lacity.org.