Economic Mobility Initiative
Powering Businesses, Empowering Our Communities
The LA County Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) expands the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)’s Office of Small Business (OSB) with community partners to reach and support the region’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits, including those who have faced historic disinvestment. In addition to OSB’s Small Business Concierge and Certification and Contracting teams, EMI provides assessment and referrals for education, training and technical assistance, and access to capital and commercial spaces through DEO and trusted organizations so that local, diverse small businesses and nonprofits not only start and grow but are a part of inclusive development and build generational wealth. These programs and services and resources will evolve with the needs of the small business and nonprofit community and economy.
This program is made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act and Care First Community Investment and a June 2021 motion introduced by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors that aimed to support BIPOC, women, and other historically disinvested communities overcome barriers to small business start-up and growth.
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Education and Entrepreneurship Academies
The LA County Entrepreneurship Academy provides early-stage owners and entrepreneurs with cohort-based and 1:1 instruction from partners in all 5 Supervisorial Districts on foundational business practices as well as mentorship and need-based stipends. All Graduates leave with a business, financial, and marketing plan and ongoing support for capital and growth opportunities. Priority participant and/or sector-focused Entrepreneurship Academies are also offered.
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Training and Technical Assistance
EMI provides a variety of training and technical assistance programs, including cohort-based and one-on-one technical assistance, that reduce barriers and open up opportunities based on unique small business and nonprofit needs, such as legal aid, new organizational and revenue models, and certification and contracting.
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Access to Capital and Commercial Space
Grants and loans for small businesses and nonprofits to advance their operations and impact, ranging from predevelopment, acquisition, façade and tenant improvement, and marketing and promotion.
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Additional Small Business Services
Connect with additional County services that support small businesses with personalized assistance, hiring resources, certifications, referrals, and other business support.
How to Apply
Step 1: Submit an intake form to learn and connect to all programs, or submit program specific applications directly on individual program pages.
Step 2: Get connected to the Office of Small Business and complete an initial assessment.
Step 3: Participant in one or more programs!
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