Together for L.A.

With over 4 million small businesses in California, more than any other state in the country, we can’t ignore the impact of small business employers on our economy. The state estimates that 48.5 percent of our total workforce is employed by the small business sector. In Los Angeles County, small businesses are found in every industry and represent the largest concentration of women and minority owned businesses in the county.

It is no wonder that the Chamber’s efforts in advocating for relief have in large part been focused on ensuring small businesses are a top priority. In collaboration with the County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles, LAEDC, LISC LA, the Institute for Sustainable Development, Dr. Lucy Jones Center, and Wells Fargo, the Chamber participated in the first report on LA’s COVID-19 Small Business Response. The report found that Los Angeles County, Los Angeles City, and leading economic and civic institutions have led the single largest metropolitan response in the country – awarding over $204 million in grants and loans to stabilize small businesses, micro-enterprises and nonprofits across the countyduring the pandemic.

Read the report here.

Top 5 Recommendations for Economic Recovery for Small Businesses in 2021
 

1. Prioritize Safety – Secure personal protective equipment (PPE) and learn how to make sure your business is compliant with local and state public health guidelines:

• Free PPE available at PPEUnite.org for LA County small businesses.
• LA County Public Health Officer Orders & Guidance: Safer at Work
• Join the Safer at Work campaign, get free Safe at Work materials

3. Be prepared for the next wave of funding relief – Gather your financial documents, such as tax returns and profit & loss statements.  Be ready to apply as soon as the applications open and tune into Small Business Strong webinars to learn the “how to’s” on accessing resources.
4. Connect with a technical assistance center for advice and support on managing closures, adjusting to digital business operations and technologies, identifying new markets and business models, including training to accessing grants and small business loans. Find a Small Business Development Center near you or visit the Chamber’s technical assistance center, Bixel Exchange SBDC. 

4. Stay connected and informed - Connect with trusted organizations including:

• LA County Emergency Help Center
• City of LA Business Readiness
• LA Area Chamber COVID-19 Response & Recovery Guide
• LAEDC Community Connectory
• LISC LA COVID-19 Response  
• Local Chambers of Commerce 

5. Don’t Lose Hope! - We are all in this together, resources and support are here for you. We are a resilient community and, together, we will be stronger as our economy recovers.

And that's The Business Perspective

Sincerely,



President & CEO