Small Business Resource Guide

Small Business Resource Guide

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is a resource hub for small businesses in the region, providing training, capacity building and policy advocacy to help organizations thrive as the economy emerges forward toward recovery.

 

OneLA Inclusive Procurement: Focuses on creating a pathway to contract opportunities for local, small and diverse businesses. This Chamber program provides business development support, training and relationship-building opportunities through live interaction and course work to advance a more equitable, sustainable and resilient economic recovery.

Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity: APEX Accelerator Program: Helps LA County small businesses access government contracting opportunities through personalized counseling and specialized workshops. It offers training on marketing to government agencies and provides connections to local, state, and federal contracting prospects. With targeted support, the program equips businesses to compete effectively in the government marketplace.

Port of Los Angeles & Port of Long Beach: Provide extensive contracting opportunities for small and diverse businesses, offering guidance on bids, proposals, and procurement processes. Resources include networking events with procurement officials to foster local business engagement. This support helps businesses navigate and succeed in port-related contracting opportunities.

California Department of General Services: Cal eProcure portal offers businesses centralized access to bid opportunities across California state agencies. Through this platform, businesses can find contracts, register as vendors, and access resources to streamline the bidding process. This portal supports increased transparency and inclusivity, making it easier for businesses to compete for state contracts.


LISC - LA’s Asset Building for Communities of Color (ABC) program, with funding provided by Wells Fargo, aims to empower small business owners in Los Angeles County's communities of color. By providing flexible capital and technical assistance, ABC supports these entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, creating jobs, and building generational wealth. The program offers financial products such as Growth Capital and Acquisition Capital to facilitate asset purchases and property ownership, fostering economic resilience and reducing displacement in diverse neighborhoods.

Resilient Business Advising Program (RBAP) - The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation offers personalized mentorship and training to small, diverse businesses, focusing on areas like digital marketing, workforce development, and disaster preparedness. Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, RBAP aims to build an equitable small business ecosystem by providing access to resources and technical assistance. Participants also benefit from services such as the OneLA Inclusive Procurement Training Program and Small Business Strong workshops, enhancing their growth and resilience.

Success, Capital Access, Leadership for Entrepreneurs Program (SCALE) - This federal program designed to enhance access to capital for small businesses, particularly those in underserved communities. In California, the initiative is implemented through the SCALE (Success, Capital Access, and Leadership for Entrepreneurs) program, which offers resources such as one-on-one coaching, loan application assistance, and guidance on suitable financing options. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation participates as a resource partner, aiming to ensure that diverse small businesses are prepared to access this funding and contribute to economic growth.


California Business Investment Guide: Bizfile Online is the California Secretary of State's comprehensive portal for business filings and records. It enables users to file documents, search for business entities, and order records for corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships. The platform also offers resources like instructional videos and guides to assist users in navigating the filing process.

Los Angeles County Department of Economic Development: Economic Mobility Initiative: The Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) is Los Angeles County's leading collaborative effort to support business owners, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises. By partnering with over 15 local organizations, EMI offers coordinated and customized services, including entrepreneurship academies, specialized training, access to capital, and individualized technical assistance, all aimed at fostering economic mobility and closing wealth gaps. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, EMI strives to build resiliency and generational wealth within the community.

Resilient Business Advising Program (RBAP) - The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation offers personalized mentorship and training to small, diverse businesses, focusing on areas like digital marketing, workforce development, and disaster preparedness. Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, RBAP aims to build an equitable small business ecosystem by providing access to resources and technical assistance. Participants also benefit from services such as the OneLA Inclusive Procurement Training Program and Small Business Strong workshops, enhancing their growth and resilience.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Empower to Grow program, formerly known as the 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program, offers free business courses, tailored training, and one-on-one consulting to eligible disadvantaged U.S. small businesses. This initiative aims to enhance participants' growth, operations, hiring practices, regulatory compliance, and competitiveness in government contracting. By providing individualized coaching and training, Empower to Grow prepares businesses to be procurement-ready for federal, state, and local government contracts.


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last Updated: December 3, 2024