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ProcureLA Program Launches to Assist Small Businesses Through City Contracts
On October 10th at the 2024 Sports and Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit, Mayor Karen Bass announced the launch of the ProcureLA program in a room filled with over 1,500 entrepreneurial Angelenos waiting to hear how they could acquire a City contract. In attendance were EWDD leadership, BusinessSource Centers, and Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), who is the provider for this program.
During the summit, Mayor Bass engaged in a fireside chat with Jessica Alba to discuss the many opportunities for small business owners, sharing valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, and tips on how to overcome obstacles. Mayor Bass discussed why the summit came to fruition, telling the crowd, “We want to close the economic gap, that is clearly the backbone to strengthening our small business sector, since small businesses is where the majority of Angelenos work.”
The ProcureLA program provides free services and resources to equip small businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to acquire City contracts. Contracts of this nature aim to foster economic growth within the LA region by connecting business owners and entrepreneurs with private and public industry stakeholders like sports and entertainment. This is a unique opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs to learn how to access capital and seize forthcoming opportunities available with the anticipation of the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, 2028 Olympics, and even beyond the completion of these major sporting events.
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LAprenuer Program Equips Business Owners & Entrepreneurs For Success
On September 26, 2024, over 100 Angelenos graduated from the first-ever LApreneur program.
Launched by Mayor Bass in May, this program equips business owners with entrepreneurship education via an online learning platform so they can gain the skills to succeed in their business ventures.
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Michelle Daniels-Holloway (right) and Terrie R. Johnson (left) graduated from the program, taking valuable lessons with them to grow their business ventures. Holloway learned to put into action the things they were learning from the workshops as well as to “continue to believe in you, your ideas.” She adds, “If you never give up, you’ll make it to the finish line.” Johnson's biggest takeaway from the program was that she now feels “a lot more confident. The coaching and mentoring, the continued resource I can continue to lean on, the information of planning and researching, are key. Overall, I just feel a lot more confident going forward.”
This initiative is a partnership between the Mayor's Office of Business and Economic Development, EWDD, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the City’s BusinessSource Centers, and Loyola Marymount University.
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Northeast Valley WorkSource Center Grand Opening in Council District 7
On October 7, 2024, the Northeast San Fernando Valley WorkSource Center (WSC) celebrated opening its doors to provide the Northeast Valley communities with at-reach employment services. Among the attendees present for the celebration were Councilwoman Monica Rodriquez, Goodwill SoCal President Patrick McClenahan, LA Mission College President Armida Ornelas, LACCD Trustee Steve Veres, DEO Chief Deputy Jessica Kim, and EWDD’s workforce leadership staff.
The main message from all speakers was that the new WSC would act as a one-stop shop for job seekers to enter into training and career pathways that lead to earning family-sustaining wages, long term self-sufficiency, and overcoming insecurities posed by barriers such as incarceration.
Goodwill Industries, the operator for this WSC location, will facilitate workforce opportunities for adults, Veterans, at-risk youth, dislocated workers, people experiencing homelessness, and the re-entry population. This location provides all of the same resources accessible at other WSCs; however, a unique addition to this WSC is the co-location of the County’s INVEST Program, which helps formerly incarcerated and reentry populations, along with the State’s Employment Development Department (EDD) to help connect with even more individuals in need of resources.
Armin Golshan is an example of the impact that WSCs have in the lives of participants who face barriers when rejoining the workforce. “With being incarcerated, it’s not easy getting jobs, so I eventually reached out to Goodwill’s INVEST. They helped me to not only get the position at school, but pay for my tuition and tools.” Golshan is now a barber. “To anyone who is thinking twice about this, just do it, it completely changed my life. The stability I’ve gained, the respect I’ve gained from my family, I owe that all to INVEST,” said Golshan.
Are you located in the San Fernando Valley and are in need of employment services? Contact Goodwill Industries.
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Celebrating 10 Years of LA:RISE Impact
On October 24, 2024, the LA:RISE program celebrated 10 years of impactful collaboration between City of LA EWDD, REDF, LA County DEO, social enterprises, and workforce agencies. This event celebrated the efforts of enrolling over 9,500 adults and youth facing high barriers to employment into permanent jobs, training, and support services. These efforts have resulted in individuals gaining skills to join talent pools, economic security and mobility, and job retention.
In attendance, Brenda Shockley, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development, stated that the LA:RISE program is a reflection of Mayor Bass’s commitment to assisting LA’s homeless population get on a path to self-sufficiency. Additionally, EWDD’s General Manager, Carolyn Hull, provided opening remarks, thanking all of the partners who have made this program a success and who have dedicated the past 10 years to placing the most vulnerable populations back on a path to success. Assistant General Manager, Gerardo Ruvalcaba, participated in a fireside chat alongside other workforce leaders to discuss the future of workforce development.
LA:RISE participant Johnny Ramirez is a testament to how the program helps transform the lives of those who have high barriers to employment. At a young age, Ramirez lost his mother, fell into depression, and adopted the gang lifestyle. This lifestyle led him to being sentenced to 17 years of incarceration. During his time in the penitentiary, Ramirez regretted his decisions that got him there, but vowed to shift his focus to becoming the best version of himself. While incarcerated, he facilitated groups teaching fellow prison mates how to read and write, which is where he also found his calling of being a motivational speaker. After 14 years, Ramirez heard the words “it’s your time to come home.”
Once free, Ramirez was referred to social enterprise Center for Living and Learning (CLL), where they helped him obtain the necessary documents and work experience to reenter society and enroll into the LA:RISE program. Through the program, Ramirez earned his certification as a registered alcoholic drug technician, which equipped him to qualify for an employment offer and housing manager promotion with CriHelp.
EWDD will continue to work hand in hand with our partners to ensure vulnerable populations remain on a path to permanent employment, staying employed, and helping them build a better life.
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JEDI Zone Business Workshop Series for Small Businesses in Council District 15
In collaboration with Councilmember Tim McOsker’s (CD15) office, EWDD's Jobs & Economic Development Incentive Zone Program(JEDI) team held a business workshop series for business owners and solo entrepreneurs from small businesses in Watts. Participating businesses included Watts Cyclery, Bradshaw Construction, and Saj Entertainment, all of whom received instruction from Dr. Gary Polk regarding digital literacy and business acumen. Beyond the valuable information provided by Dr. Polk, in partnership with CSUDH, the JEDI team provided laptops to participating businesses. This initiative ensures that each business has the necessary tools to engage in the digital economy and create growth opportunities for their businesses.
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EWDD Halloween Competition
From Beetlejuice to Graveyards to Day of the Dead! For the Halloween spirit, EWDD engaged in a competition to see which division had the spookiest decor!
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Get to Know LA’s Legacy Businesses
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. Businesses that enroll into the registry have the opportunity to receive tangible benefits including technical assistance, promotional support, and access to capital, including grants. The following are legacy businesses that have successfully registered into the Legacy Business Program registry.
Olverita’s Village, or "Olveritas," is a family-owned retail store on historic Olvera Street, the oldest district within El Pueblo Historic Park. Since 1976 and through the legacy of operation, Olveritas has specialized in selling traditional Mexican merchandise like folklórico costumes, contemporary and traditional Mexican apparel, and folk art and crafts to local and national dance groups, teachers, and celebrities.
In tribute to her father’s legacy, owner Martha Ines Media and her son have kept the business in operation while preserving the curations that celebrate Mexico’s rich culture. With an ongoing legacy and determination to promote Mexican culture, Olveritas plays a key role in maintaining the folk art and Mexican importation of goods within Olvera Street.
In 1947, the family-owned guitar shop, Candelas Guitars, was established in Boyle Heights by luthier brothers Porfirio Delgado-Flores and Candelario Delgado-Flores. From the beginning, word of mouth grew Candelas’ fame for crafting high-quality guitars. This led to collaborations with Latin American musicians like Mario "Cantinflas" Moreno and Germán "Tin-Tan" Valdés. Today, Candelas is run by 3rd and 4th generations Tomas Delgado and his son, Tomas Jr.
Tacos Manzano is a Mexican restaurant that pioneered Oaxacan cuisine and introduced LA residents to moles and tlayudas. The restaurant's legacy began with Jesus Manzano, who came to the U.S. with a dream and started Tacos Manzano from a food truck in North Hollywood, primarily serving tacos to day labor workers at affordable prices. In 2000, Manzano opened a shop in North Hollywood to continue to share his Oaxacan culture and authentic food with the community. Today, Manzano’s sister runs the restaurant, continuing to serve traditional dishes and preserving culinary traditions, making them a part of the local dining scene.
Are you a business that has been in operation for 20 years or more? Apply at bit.ly/LAlegacy to be eligible to join the LA Legacy Business registry.
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For a list of business webinars for November 1-25, click here. | |
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ProcureLA is NOW OPEN!
On October 10, Mayor Bass announced the launch of ProcureLA, a new program that provides free resources to small businesses to help equip them to secure contracting opportunities.
Through ProcureLA, businesses will receive:
-Loan Assistance: Unlock the support for access to capital
-Tailored Workshops: Learn the essentials of contracting
-Networking: Connect with private companies and government agencies
-Bid Development: Gain access to procurement professionals
To learn more about the ProcureLA program, visit www.procurela.com.
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OneLA Procurement Fair
REGISTER TODAY for the OneLA Procurement Fair! Small Businesses can connect with government agencies, prime contractors, and network with over 100 diverse suppliers and access essential resources to navigate the procurement process.
Date/time: November 7, 2024 from 9AM-2PM
Location: California State University, Los Angeles (5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90032)
RSVP: bit.ly/OneLA-Fair
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Community Forum on Silicosis
Do you or someone you know work in an industry that cuts artificial stone? Join us at the 'Community Forum on Silicosis' event to learn about Silicosis and to access resources such as medical registration.
Silicosis is a serious lung condition caused by inhaling tiny crystalline particles of silicon dioxide, commonly known as silica. Silicosis results from prolonged exposure to silica dust. If you work in industries like mining, construction, or stone cutting, you're at risk. When you breathe in silica particles, they settle deep within your respiratory passages and cause damage to your lungs.
At this event, there will be:
-Discussion on what Silicosis is
-Health and safety workshop
-Medical registration
-Resources for workers
Date/Time: Saturday, November 9 from 9AM-12PM
Location: Taxco Theater
Text (213) 800-4729 for Updates
To learn more about Silicosis, visit bit.ly/Silicosis-Forum.
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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.
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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 Communications Team at ewddcomms@lacity.org.
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