Summit supports L.A.’s small businesses with resources – Beverly Press & Park Labrea News

The Los Angeles Regional Business Summit, co-hosted by the city and county of Los Angeles, brought more than 500 people to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum on April 29 for an expo offering free resources, information and programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Pursuant to Mayor Karen Bass’ fourth executive directive, the second Annual Summit was hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

“We are continuing to take action to reduce barriers for small businesses by bringing together resources and expertise through the second annual Regional Business Summit,” Bass said. “I encourage interested Angelenos to attend our upcoming Regional Business Summits at Mission College and Cal State L.A. as we work to make these convenings accessible throughout the city.”

The summit featured panel discussions on opportunities and resources for businesses. It also included a resource expo that convened all major public and private providers of free business support and on-site free services such as business assessment, legal aid, certification and procurement clinics, credit counseling, compliance support and permitting assistance. Deputy Mayor of Business and Economic Development Rachel Freeman started the event by highlighting the mayor’s small business economic agenda, which focuses on building opportunities and support for businesses of all sizes.

The inaugural Regional Summit was held in May 2023 at L.A. Trade Tech College and the Business and Financial Empowerment Summit followed on October 2023 at BMO Stadium. The next regional summits will be on May 9 at Mission College and May 15 at California State University Los Angeles.

“In Los Angeles, small businesses account for nearly 50% of the current employment base and 75% of net new jobs,” Freeman said. “They also build stronger communities, drive investment into our economy, generate global business opportunities and make Los Angeles the leader in innovation it is today. Small business support is a key pillar of Mayor Bass’ economic agenda.”

For information, visit mayor.lacity.gov.