Small Business at the Chamber

by Maria S. Salinas

The L.A. Area Chamber is at the forefront of relief program advocacy for small businesses. California’s small businesses employ nearly 50% of the state’s workforce, and their ability to emerge from this pandemic stronger is critical to restoring the economy, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities.  

At the Chamber, we advocate for the small business community, micro enterprises, and nonprofits at the local, state, and federal levels. In that vein, our commitment to the diverse small business community of Los Angeles will never waiver. We understand the unique pain, challenges, and struggles that are endured to keep doors open, especially amid increases in acts of hate, most recently against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.  

Being in a region with one of the largest concentrations of minority owned businesses in the nation, we have seen the disappointment of being left out of relief programs combined with the fear that comes with upticks in hate. That’s why our partnerships with business leaders in the Asian American and Pacific Islander, African American, and Latino communities are so crucial. We are proud to stand with our diverse businesses to strengthen our small business advocacy and the community at-large. 

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The Chamber supported the efforts of the State of California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate in bringing statewide relief grants to Los Angeles. The relief initially came from the California Rebuilding Fund and will also be available through the California Relief Grant Program. These state programs provide financial relief for small businesses, which is especially necessary for women and minority owned businesses in the region.  

The U.S. Senate confirmed Isabel Guzman as Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Guzman is the former Small Business Advocate for the State of California, and a friend of the Chamber. Her robust experience in supporting the small business community in California will serve her well as she champions small businesses throughout our nation.