Get In The Game Highlighted at Small Business Summit
The L.A. Area Chamber held a successful Small Business Summit: Access, Grow, Thrive, this week empowering regional entrepreneurs with resources. The summit explored the transformative opportunities for small businesses to enhance creativity, streamline operations, and spur innovation with artificial intelligence (AI). Valuable resources were provided to support the launch of “Get in the Game” with funding essential for business growth. The Chamber also recognized empowering entrepreneurs. Honorees included Everett Sands with Lendistry, Erick Castro with Kana Subsurface Engineering, Christina Moses & Alex Perez with 3shades Design.
|
Cactus Foods CEO Keynote at Small Business Summit
The Small Business Summit was pleased to welcome, special guest, Diana Gonzalez, Founder and CEO of Cactus Foods, a woman-owned company committed to providing delicious cactus-based snacks packed with tons of health benefits. Diana's inspiring entrepreneurial journey has made Cactus Foods a remarkable success story. She is one of the winners of Walmart’s Open Call, which was a competition, held at the Chamber, for local businesses to gain an invitation to pitch product placement with Walmart. The Walmart Open Call is still taking registrations, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to place their products on the shelves of Walmart or Sam’s Club. Apply by July 15, 2024. Find more details here.
|
L.A. County Board Votes on New Proposed Governance
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors released a governance plan, which included a proposal to increase the Board of Supervisors from five to nine members, elect a county chief executive officer and establish an ethics commission. This motion was approved by a split vote on Tuesday, July 9. The board directed the Office of County Counsel to draft an ordinance that would incorporate major changes to the way the county government operates as part of a charter amendment. The supervisors at a later date must vote to place the measure before voters. The Chamber will be reviewing the ordinance and meeting with supervisors to understand the implications.
|
L.A. County Votes to Study Commercial Rents and Assistance
This week the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted on a motion that aims to study and develop various recommendations to support small businesses and nonprofits in the county. It requests a consultant to conduct an economic analysis of commercial rents across L.A. County and propose policies for commercial tenant relocation assistance. Additionally, the motion seeks a framework on rent increase thresholds that might trigger mandatory relocation expenses. The motion directs the county to consult with nonprofits and small businesses. The Chamber will be monitoring this item, and prepared for the release of the economic analysis report.
|
Chamber Hosts L.A. County Homeless Initiative Executive Director
The Chamber's Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness heard from Cheri Todoroff, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative regarding funding in the county, the recent point-in-time homeless count, and findings from the county's Affordable Housing Needs Report. The committee also discussed the encampment resolution program and how the business community can support the county's efforts.
|
Chamber Meets With Workforce Development Leaders
This week the Chamber's Education Workforce Development Policy Council hosted L.A. Unified School District's Career Technical Education-Linked Learning Administrator, Esther Dabagyan to share information on growing industry partnerships to boost career readiness for students. The council also met with Cause Impact's Principal, Jessica Daughterty to speak on AdvantAGE LA, a new project within the City of Los Angeles designed to boost workforce development resources and opportunities for aging workers. The policy council will continue to engage with workforce leaders to support their efforts through policy advocacy and to create spaces for them to build robust partnerships.
|
Port of Los Angeles Completes $73 Million On-Dock Rail Expansion Project
The Port of Los Angeles has completed construction of a $73 million major rail expansion project on Pier 400 that will improve cargo flow and roadway safety, and reduce emissions at the nation’s busiest port. As rail demand increases, the expanded yard is projected to eliminate an estimated 1,200 truck trips per day by 2040. Rail projects like these support California’s larger sustainable freight and mobility goals and meet federal and state grant requirements for major transportation projects to improve air quality, spur job growth, ease congestion and benefit disadvantaged communities.
|
Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall Names New President & CEO
The World Affairs Council & Town Hall named Dr. Richard Downie President & CEO. Dr. Downie brings a wealth of international experience including service in the military and as member of the Council on Foreign Relations, as a specialist on Latin America. We congratulate him on this appointment and look forward to collaboration.
|
Southern California Job Creators Grant: Founders First CDC
Unlock the potential of your small business with Founders First CDC's empowering programs in Southern California. The program offers a $50,000 grant to help diverse-led small businesses expand and succeed. You'll gain access to expert-led workshops, funding opportunities, and tailored resources designed to support your business' growth. Grant pre-registration is available here.
|
SCALE: Success, Capital Access, Leadership for Entrepreneurs
The Chamber Foundation is honored to participate in the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SCALE) program. SCALE is working to ensure California’s diverse small businesses as well as businesses in low-to-moderate-wealth, rural, or disaster-impacted communities, are ready to access funding. The program includes raising awareness of funding opportunities and providing one-on-one coaching to help business owners navigate the loan process, prepare their applications, and determine what other financing products will be the best fit. To learn more, visit here.
|
Economic Mobility Initiative
Elevate your business with the Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI), a comprehensive support network tailored for L.A. County's small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits. This one-stop hub, powered by DEO, provides personalized support including grants, loans, and technical assistance—at no cost. EMI focuses on engaging high-need communities and connecting them to essential wealth-building opportunities that encourage sustainable growth. Whether you're aiming to enhance your organization, expand your impact, or deepen your business knowledge, for more information, visit here.
|
Wellnest Celebrates 100 Years
Wellnest, a nationally acclaimed and leading provider of emotional health and wellness services, will host their Centennial Celebration on September 27. Funds raised from the centennial celebration will benefit The Nest on Jefferson Community Wellness Center, which will fulfill a critical community need, by providing housing and expanded access to behavioral and health services in the City of Los Angeles. Learn more and get your tickets here.
|
COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
|
Pancakes & Politics
Wednesday, July 24, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Don't miss the next Pancakes & Politics, featuring Traci Park, Los Angeles City Councilmember for District 11.
|
Travel, Tourism & Sports Council
Wednesday, July 24, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Travel, Tourism, and Sports Policy Council for an engaging conversation with guest speaker Matt Szabo, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Los Angeles, who will share information about the L.A. Convention Center Expansion Project.
|
State of L.A. Business
Thursday, August 8, 8:30 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join us at the State of L.A. Business to explore how businesses and infrastructure collaborate to drive growth in the L.A. region. The program will address business needs and the essential infrastructure required to shape the future.
|
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
|
|
