|
AdvantAGE LA Report Launch
Earlier this month, the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board in partnership with the Economic and Workforce Development Department launched the AdvantAGE LA Report, a pioneering plan dedicated to the employment, retention and advancement of Older Workers.
Older Workers represent 20% of Los Angeles' workforce. Unfortunately, over 50% of workers over the age of 50 experience involuntary job separation and face ageism and discrimination while seeking employment. “Older adults are essential to our economy, our communities, and our families,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “The City created this report to proactively develop a plan that serves our older workers while also identifying the policies we need to implement to continue leading the way.”
The City of Los Angeles is trying to change these statistics by addressing the root of the issue in the report. Key pieces of the plan include:
- A demographic analysis of older workers in Los Angeles
- Identification of the needs and challenges faced by older workers
- An economic rationale for an older worker strategy
- Best practices and model programs for employing, retaining, and advancing older workers
AdvantAGE LA serves as a vital tool for policymakers, employers, community organizations, and older workers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issues and potential solutions to enhance the workforce landscape.
| |
 | |
Good Food Zone's Grant Program Now Open for Food-Centered Businesses
The City of Los Angeles in partnership with the Los Angeles Food Policy Council launched the Good Food Zones Micro Grants Program. This program is designed to support food-centered businesses in designated Good Food Zones by offering $25,000 grants to help them expand access to healthy foods and overcome challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Good Food Zones Microgrants Program provides grants of $25,000 to eligible food-centered businesses, including corner stores, neighborhood markets, restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. These grants are made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and aim to assist businesses in meeting the Good Food Zones Standard, which includes increasing healthy food offerings, enhancing food security, and contributing to community well-being.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a for-profit food-centered business
- Must be located within a designated Good Food Zone
- Must have been actively in business on or before March 1, 2020
- Annual revenue cannot exceed $1 million
- Must have all required permits and registrations (BTRC, seller’s permit, etc.)
- Must demonstrate the negative economic impact of COVID-19 and how grant funds will aid recovery
Application Deadline: Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11:59 PM
To learn more and apply, visit Los Angeles Food Policy Council (goodfoodla.org)
| |
|
Legacy Business Program - Round 1 Grants Application Open
The Legacy Business Program is an ongoing initiative to celebrate and support the visibility, legacy, and sustainability of Legacy Businesses that have been operational for 20 years or more. These businesses will have the opportunity to receive tangible benefits including technical assistance, promotional support, and access to capital, including grants.
Round 1 of the grants portion opened August 5th and is open through September 15th.
Grant details include:
- Grant amounts of $10,000 will be provided for Legacy Businesses with one to five employees.
- Grant amounts of $20,000 will be provided for Legacy Businesses with six or more employees.
Please note you must be part of the registry to be eligible for benefits. For more information and to apply, complete the Legacy Business Program Application form.
| |
|
Downtown Women’s Center LA:RISE Program Graduation
On Thursday, August 8, 2024, the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) hosted a graduation ceremony for its 22 LA:RISE program participants. The LA:RISE program is a collaborative partnership between the City, County, and nonprofit organizations to support individuals experiencing high barriers to employment, especially helping to connect women to resources that help them receive jobs.
The graduation began with graduates’ testimonials about their hardships and how the program guided them in their careers and in life. Through the program, participants who were facing homelessness, drug addiction, and repercussions of being incarcerated have gone on to use their skills from being in the program to better their lives as well as the lives of others going through similar life difficulties.
| |
|
EWDD’s General Manager Carolyn Hull was in attendance to provide words of encouragement. “You have made the world a better place. Embrace failure. Success is about resilience and your past doesn't dictate your future.”
For more information about LA:RISE, visit bit.ly/LARISE-Contact.
| |
|
CRCD Awarded 20K to Help Close the Digital Divide in South LA
On graduation day, youth participants from the South Los Angeles YouthSource Center (YSC) were given FREE laptops with internet connectivity, backpacks, and educational programs just in time for back-to-school. YouthSource participant, Ana Rosales, in her speech mentioned finding the YSC through an internship and hopes the backpack giveaway will help her find resources as she navigates the next chapter in her life.
Since 2018, AT&T has partnered with the YSC’s operator, Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD), to close the digital divide for all of those who enter the YSC with big aspirations. In working together, they have collectively created a computer lab with computers compatible with high speed internet and educational programs. CRCD was also awarded a 20K check from AT&T to expand their digital services to their youth participants.
EWDD’s General Manager Carolyn Hull provided celebratory remarks mentioning “how proud everyone should be of themselves as they continue to be lifelong learners.”
EWDD's 14 YouthSource Centers accept participants year-round and assist its enrolled youth with services such as career guidance, job skills training, and college prep. To learn more about the YouthSource Centers, visit bit.ly/EWDDYouthSource.
| |
|
Energetic Acupuncture Soars to New Heights
The Pico/Union Westlake BusinessSource Center (BSC) helped Ick Y. Eom’s business, Energetic Acupuncture Medical Group, acquire a $100K loan to expand the business location from Larchmont to the Fairfax District.
Eom has over a decade of experience in pain management and specializes in sports injuries, circulation problems, digestive disorders, weight loss, and herbal medicine. Eom began his business in 2019 and quickly gained over 1,000 patients and found himself in need of expanding the business. Eom reached out to the Pico Union/Westlake BusinessSource Center (BSC) for guidance in preparing and submitting a loan application. Through the use of this loan, Eom secured a lease for a more spacious clinic. "Thanks to the assistance of the BusinessSource Center, without their help, we couldn't expand our business to the new place," said Eom. At this new location, Eom is installing another treatment section and is aiming to hire an additional acupuncturist to provide top-notch services for their growing clientele.
Energetic Acupuncture Medical Group is currently located in CD 13 and will relocate to CD 5.
| |
For a list of business webinars for September 1-20, click here. | |
|
LA Optimized 2.0 Program Launching Soon!
Coming Soon! The LA Optimized 2.0 program will be accepting applications starting September 3, 2024. This program is designed to provide businesses in the City of Los Angeles with results-driven digital marketing resources to aid in their ongoing recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Services include:
-Website Creation and Optimization
-Social Media and E-Newsletters
-Complimentary Coaching and Training
Business owners interested in applying should visit www.lacityoptimized.org to learn about eligibility requirements.
| |
|
Al Fresco Deadline Extended to 12/31
The deadline to submit this application has been extended to December 31, 2024. Application support is available to all small business owners at all of the 10 BusinessSource Center locations throughout the City of LA.
| |
Upcoming Job Fair and Summits | | |
|
|
East & Central Regional Connect
LA Job Fair
Upcoming Job Fair! Come explore exciting employment opportunities and connect with resources to help you succeed. Submit your resume to be reviewed by employers and be invited to an interview at the job fair!
Date/Time: September 26, 2024 from 10AM-1PM
Location: Northeast Los Angeles WorkSource Center
Register: bit.ly/East-Central-JobFair
Walk-ins are Welcome!
| | | |
|
|
2024 San Fernando Valley Small Business Summit
Join EWDD at the 2024 San Fernando Valley Small Business Summit! EWDD will be in attendance to help and provide resources to the small business community around the Legacy Business program, BusinessSource Center information, and much more.
The event will include:
-A fireside chat with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
-A panel discussion on traditional & untraditional ways to access capital for your business
-A panel on procurement, getting ready for contracting, certification, and expert advice
-A resource expo with business support resources to help you with your business plan, navigating the city, banking, legal aid, and more.
Date/Time: Thursday, September 12, 2024
from 8AM-12:30PM
Location: CSUN Campus
RSVP HERE
| | | |
|
|
LABC’s 18th Annual Sustainability Summit
This year’s summit will focus on local, state, and federal clean energy goals and development, advancing clean transportation and managing water resources.
Date/Time: Friday, September 6, 2024
from 7AM-3PM
Location: USC
RSVP HERE
| | |
|
If TTY/TTD is needed to contact us, please use 711 for Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS).
If you have any questions, comments, or wish to have a contribution considered for inclusion in an upcoming EWDD Updates, please contact EWDD's Comms Team at ewddcomms@lacity.org.
| | | | |
