L.A. Area Chamber, Lendistry, and Bank of America Celebrate Grant Recipients of the Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund
The Chamber teamed up with Lendistry and Bank of America to raise awareness for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund at a Los Angeles Sparks game this week. The fund provides vital support to small businesses impacted by the January 2025 fires. The event honored two grant recipients, Nicole Feenstra of The DNA Agency and Tracy Ryan Johnson of Bay Cities Tree Preservation. This collaborative evening with community partners highlighted the power of working together to help local businesses recover and thrive. Thanks to Jean Del Rosario, Bank of America, and the Lendistry team for their support.
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L.A. Area Chamber Testifies in Ad Hoc Olympic Committee Supporting Impact & Sustainability Plan
The Chamber provided testimony in support of the recently released LA28 Impact & Sustainability Plan at the Los Angeles City Council Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games meeting. The Chamber noted its work serving on LA28's Community Business & Procurement Working Group since its inception and partnering with LA28 on initiatives including Get in the Game. During the meeting, LA28 relayed that a detailed procurement plan would be delivered in early 2026.
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LAUSD Superintendent Joins Pancakes & Politics
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho joined the L.A. Area Chamber’s Pancakes & Politics series this week, highlighting the district’s academic progress. He noted significant improvements in math and reading, with student achievement surpassing state standards. Carvalho thanked the Chamber for its partnership in launching a mentorship program and emphasized the importance of public-private collaborations. He stressed that continued investment is vital for building a strong, integrated birth-to-14th-grade education system.
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L.A. Area Chamber Engages State Leaders on Key Issues Impacting Los Angeles
The Chamber continued its advocacy in Sacramento this week on key issues impacting Los Angeles, including the L.A. Convention Center and affordable housing. The Chamber's Chief Policy Officer, Carlos Singer, joined California policymakers for discussions on housing, energy, and redistricting. The California Agenda Summit, hosted by Politico, featured speakers such as Senator Alex Padilla, Governor Gavin Newsom, State Senator Scott Wiener, and others who shared insights on critical policy matters shaping California’s future.
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L.A. Area Chamber Convenes Policymakers to Discuss Convention Center, Legislation & Film Incentives
This week, the Chamber’s Tourism, Entertainment & Sports Policy Council convened to discuss the L.A. Convention Center expansion project, AB 770, and the Film Tax Credit. Guest speakers included Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur; Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Rachel Freeman; Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Vice President Aaron Taxy; City of L.A. Tourism Department Deputy Executive Director Tina Oh; and Brad Fingard, Legislative Director to Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez.
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Exporting Made Quick, Affordable, and Easy with SWIFTDOX
The Chamber's online platform, SWIFTDOX, makes exporting documentation fast, easy, and affordable. This revolutionary system uses secure blockchain technology for documents like Certificates of Origin and Certificates of Free Sale. It offers enhanced security, instant traceability, and built-in legalization/apostille options. SWIFTDOX saves you time and money, giving you 24/7 access to meet customs regulations with confidence and compliance. Learn more about our export documentation services here.
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Helping Small Businesses Thrive with SCALE
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation's SCALE program helps small businesses secure funding. SCALE provides low-interest loans, credit enhancements, and expert guidance to help you prepare professional loan packages and break down financing barriers. Learn more here. To further support business owners, the Chamber is hosting a free webinar, "Small Business Financing – What You Need to Know to SCALE!" on Wednesday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m. We will discuss solutions for startup funding, working capital, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to grow your business. Register here.
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City of Los Angeles Legacy Business Program – Apply by August 31
The City of Los Angeles Legacy Business Program honors small businesses that have operated in the same community for 20 years or more and contribute to the city’s cultural, historic, and economic identity. Eligible businesses can be added to the official Legacy Business Registry, recognizing their role as neighborhood anchors and preserving community traditions. Applications are open now through August 31. Complete the online form here.
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SoCalGas Technical Assistance Program - Unlocking Capital: Financing Your Business Through Small Business Administration Loans
Small businesses are invited to a free Technical Assistance Program (TAP) session hosted by SoCalGas on Friday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Mark Morales of AmPac Business Capital will provide insights on SBA loan options, including how to evaluate which loan best fits your business needs and key eligibility and application tips. Participants will also learn about resources to help navigate the loan process. Register by September 10 to attend.
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Los Angeles to Host 2026 Global Esports Games
Mayor Karen Bass joined leaders from the Global Esports Federation, the Los Angeles Times Media Group, and El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel to announce that Los Angeles will be the host city for the 2026 Global Esports Games. The event’s opening ceremony is set for December 4, 2026. Mayor Bass highlighted, “Los Angeles, the creative capital of the world, is the perfect stage for the future of global competition in esports.” The games are expected to bring exciting entertainment and significant economic opportunities to the city. Learn more about the event here.
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JPMorganChase ‘Coaching for Impact’ Program Supported Regional Businesses During Wildfires
With support from JPMorganChase, Cuernavaca’s Grill, a popular restaurant in Los Angeles, delivered meals to first responders during the California wildfires. Because of the Chase ‘Coaching for Impact’ program, the restaurant not only continued operations but also created jobs and bolstered local businesses during a challenging time. Read about their journey in the Los Angeles Business Journal here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Energy, Water, & Environmental Sustainability Policy Council
Wednesday, September 3, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the Energy, Water, & Environmental Sustainability Policy Council, where our topic will be Data Centers: Siting and Energy Use, with featured speakers Tod Sword, Economic Development Consultant, Southern California Edison, and Michael Siteman, President, Prodigious Proclivities, Inc.
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Transportation & Goods Movement Policy Council
Tuesday, September 9, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the upcoming Transportation & Goods Movement Council to hear from featured speaker Gene Seroka, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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