Chamber Launches Small Business Recovery Fund
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has launched the Small Business Recovery Fund to support small businesses impacted by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. Applications are now open for eligible businesses located in the affected zip codes to receive grants up to $25,000 based on annual income. The Chamber has partnered with Lendistry, a trusted Los Angeles-based small business lender specializing in community-focused recovery, to administer the grants and provide capital solutions to aid rebuilding efforts. Applications are reviewed first-come, first-served and are open through June 6 or until funds are exhausted. Apply today.
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Get in the Game LA Procurement Resource Hub Launches
The Get in the Game LA Supplier Resource Hub launched this week. The hub is a digital platform designed to equip regional small businesses with the tools, connections, and insights needed to compete for procurement opportunities tied to major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Led by a coalition of partners—including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, LISC Los Angeles, Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), and Next Street—the platform aims to strengthen Los Angeles’ procurement ecosystem by bridging the gap between buyers and suppliers, unlocking access to the $500 billion projected to flow through the region's sports, entertainment, and infrastructure sectors over the next decade. Learn more here.
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Chamber Opposes Living Wage Ordinance Targeting Tourism
The Chamber continued its advocacy for the local economy this week as the City Council Committee on Economic Development resumed discussions on a proposed wage ordinance. As the tourism industry works to recover from the pandemic, while also grappling with setbacks from recent wildfires and shifting tariff policies, a preferential wage increase and health care stipend exclusively for airport concession and hotel workers, risks destabilizing the broader business community. The Chamber publicly voiced its opposition to the ordinance and is actively collaborating with Councilmembers to propose policy amendments that would mitigate its negative impact. To express your opposition, please submit your views here.
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Metro and SCAG Shares 2028 Olympic Games Mobility Plan
The Transportation and Goods Movement (TGM) Policy Council convened this week to hear from Annie Nam of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Jenny Chavez of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, and Michael Cano of LA Metro on infrastructure updates ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. The panel presented Metro and SCAG's 2028 Games Mobility Concept Plan and Program, highlighting strategies for Transportation Demand Management and L.A. City's capital infrastructure planning. Discussions focused on inter-agency coordination, workforce development, and strategic partnerships to ensure the region is fully prepared for upcoming global events.
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Chamber Advocates to Address Decline in Housing Construction
Following the April release of a study highlighting the unintended consequences of Measure ULA, the Chamber has initiated meetings with key stakeholders to address the decline in housing construction. A recent report from UCLA's Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies identified serious concerns with Measure ULA, which raised transfer taxes on real estate sales of $5 million and above. Although marketed as a "mansion tax" aimed at easing the city's housing crisis, data reveals its broader impact is actually stifling activity in commercial, industrial, and multifamily property builds. This slowdown hinders efforts to increase the region's housing supply. In response, the Chamber is actively collaborating with policymakers to advocate for amendments that promote fairness and efficiency while supporting housing growth.
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Chamber Congratulates LAEDC on 10th Anniversary of Select LA Investment Summit
The Chamber congratulates the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) on the 10th Anniversary of its Select LA Investment Summit, where they highlighted the diversity of industries and talent that define Los Angeles to global investors, businesses, government leaders, and delegates.
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Milken Conference Convenes Global Leaders
Leaders in business, finance, government, entertainment, and philanthropy gathered for the 2025 Milken Global Conference, themed "Toward a Flourishing Future." The four-day event featured panels on topics such as the U.S. economy, innovation and technology, health, and research. The conference also unveiled the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), a new initiative dedicated to making the American Dream accessible through education, health, economic freedom, and entrepreneurship.
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2025 China California Business Forum
The China-California Business Forum will be held on Monday, June 2, at The Biltmore Los Angeles. This event aims to promote California's trade and investment with Chinese provinces while encouraging entrepreneurs to explore new business opportunities. This year, the forum will feature a Chinese delegation of over 150 top business leaders and trade officials from multiple provinces. Early bird registration ends on May 16. Learn more and register here.
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Doing Business With: Department of General Services
Join us on May 14 at 10:00 a.m. for an essential workshop focused on navigating procurement processes and building successful partnerships with the Department of General Services. Gain valuable insights into contracting opportunities and explore resources tailored to support small businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your procurement strategy and connect with key decision-makers. Register today.
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Altadena Disaster Relief Small Business Loan Program Now Accepting Applications
Small businesses in unincorporated Altadena affected by the Eaton Fire may qualify for up to $75,000 in low-interest working capital through the Altadena Disaster Relief Small Business Loan Program. To be eligible, businesses must have a public-facing physical storefront and be located in ZIP codes 91001 or 91004. FEMA aid recipients are also encouraged to apply. A program overview webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at 10:00 a.m. Details and access information will be available on the program website. Application Deadline: June 3 at 12:00 p.m. For more information visit here.
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LAUSD Small Business Bootcamp
Don’t miss the final Spring 2025 session of LAUSD’s Small Business Bootcamp. Join us on May 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for an in-depth workshop covering key topics for small business contractors, including estimating, bonding, scheduling, general contracting conditions, Project Stabilization Agreements (PSAs), bidding on formal contracts, labor compliance, prequalification, and more. This is a valuable opportunity to gain practical insights and prepare your business for success with LAUSD contracting opportunities. Learn more here.
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U.S. Chamber Foundation Hosts Building Resilience Conference
The U.S. Chamber Foundation hosted its annual Building Resilience Conference, themed The Resilience Reset: Ensuring America is Ready for the Next Disaster. The event centered on disaster response, preparedness, and strategies for building a more resilient future. Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas participated in the Rebuilding Los Angeles: Recovery and Resilience panel, sharing insights on wildfire recovery efforts.
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Volkswagen and Uber to Deploy Autonomous ID. Buzz Vehicles in Los Angeles
Volkswagen and Uber have announced a strategic partnership to launch the Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD on the Uber platform across multiple U.S. markets, beginning with Los Angeles. The deployment will be powered by MOIA, Volkswagen AG's autonomous mobility brand, providing its cutting-edge autonomous driving technology. Testing is set to begin in late 2025, with rides anticipated to be available on the Uber platform in 2026. Learn more here.
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Port of Long Beach Calls for Nonprofit Sponsorships
Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for the Port of Long Beach’s Community Sponsorship Program, open through May 30. This program provides funding for community events and activities that educate residents about the Port's operations, initiatives, and community investments. For more information and how to apply, visit here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Member Orientation
Thursday, May 29, 4:00 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Connect with fellow new members and engage in insightful conversations with Board members and Chamber staff to kick-start your membership journey. Whether you're new or an existing member, join us for this informative orientation and discover how to unlock the full potential of your L.A. Area Chamber membership.
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Get in the Game: Procurement Fair
Thursday, June 5, 9:00 a.m.
Join us at the Get in the Game: OneLA Procurement Fair at Cal State L.A. and explore partnership opportunities with leading companies and public agencies. Together, we’re not just rebuilding—we’re strengthening Los Angeles for a resilient future and upcoming global events.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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