Economic Mobility Initiative
Powering Businesses, Empowering Our Communities
Welcome to the LA County Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI), a one-stop to start or grow your dream venture. We empower LA County small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits by providing tailored information, technical assistance, and resources from the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)’s Office of Small Business and best-in-class partner organizations that helps you thrive and build generational wealth in our communities. Learn more about how DEO and it’s 15 partner collaborative can support your success today!
EMI can help you with the following:
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Entrepreneurship Academies
As Entrepreneurship Academy participants, early-stage business owners and entrepreneurs receive cohort-based and 1:1 instruction from partners in all 5 Supervisorial Districts on foundational business practices, mentorship, need-based stipends. Leave with a business, financial, and marketing plan and ongoing support for capital and growth opportunities.
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Technical Assistance and Training
New and expanded programs with the Office of Small Business and EMI partners offer cohort-based training and 1:1 technical assistance to small businesses and nonprofits on pro-bono legal aid, strengthening operations and adding revenue sources, gaining local, small, and diverse business certifications and winning contract awards, and transitioning to employee-owned business models, and more.
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Access to Capital and Commercial Space
New programs with EMI partners support small businesses through two funds: one helps nonprofits purchase vacant properties to rent to small, community-serving business owners at affordable rates, and the other offers flexible capital for starting or growing a business.
How to Apply
Step 1: Submit a common intake form
Step 2: Get connected with an EMI team member and complete an initial assessment
Step 3: Participate in one or many EMI programs or services that fits your needs
Announcements
About the Initiative
The Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) is the County’s investment that provides integrated, comprehensive support and resources to increase economic prosperity for communities significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure their inclusive and equitable recovery. EMI is lead by the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity in collaboration across 15+ community partners to ensure access to all programs, services, and resources to advance economic mobility, build resiliency and generational wealth, and close the gender and racial wealth gap.
Kelly LoBianco
By partnering with community-based organizations and leveraging their expertise, the Economic Mobility Initiative is poised to offer personalized business assistance from the concept stage to growth. This comprehensive support system is designed to catalyze sustainable, multi-generational economic growth.
This program is made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act 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.