Los Angeles Optimized

Join us in the month of June for LA Optimized Accelerator Academy!

Beginning Tuesday, June 7 at noon, gain access to expert advice directly from EBAY and AMAZON that will help you grow and expand your business. L.A. Optimized Accelerator Academy is a free monthly webinar series that helps small businesses and entrepreneurs market and grow in the digital marketplace. Whether you are a new or existing seller, selling to consumers or businesses, looking to expand locally or overseas, join us for this exciting virtual event! Take advantage of tools and advice from experts that will help your business grow in the nation's top selling platforms.

https://www.lacityoptimized.org/acceleratoracademy

The Mayor's Office of Economy is launching a new initiative called Contract Ready L.A. to help small businesses access the foundation needed to procure government contracts. This program is made possible in partnership with newly appointed LA Mayor's Office Entrepreneur-in-Residence Dion Rambo.

He will be hosting a Contract Ready LA free event this Saturday, May 28 at Proud Bird from 10 am to 12 pm, to help businesses learn about contracting in an openly candid conversation. Come ready for an exciting fast-paced lesson on how contracting works in L.A.! RSVP now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-28th-contract-ready-la-powered-by-rambo-house-lendistry-tickets-329172843837

Mark your calendars for May 3! The next LA Optimized Accelerator Academy is coming up next week.

This month's session is LIVE, register on Eventbrite using the link in bio to get your questions answered directly by marketing experts.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-optimized-accelerator-academy-tickets-159928473369

Does your small business owe back rent due to COVID-19?

Applications are NOW OPEN for the $12 million in grants Small Business Rental Assistance Program to eligible businesses located in the City that need financial assistance to aid in their recovery from COVID-19. Grants will be of up to $15,000 or six months of back rent, whichever is less.

The grant may be used for payments in arrears incurred on or after March 1, 2020.
Businesses must be for-profit, and have a brick and mortar storefront located and operated within the City of Los Angeles.

Applications are due May 6, 2022.
For more information and to apply, visit bit.ly/lasmallbizgrant.

Do you want to start your own business? Has your immigration status or lack of language proficiency gotten in the way of your dreams? Do you need seed money to start or grow your business?

SPARK offers $5,000 - $10,000 grants to eligible applicants. Learn how to leverage your skills, knowledge and experience to make money through freelancing or starting your own business. Join their FREE webinar to learn more!

Visit https://spark.immigrantsrising.org/get-money/ to sign up today!

Don't miss next week's L.A. Optimized Accelerator Academy!

On Tuesday, November 2, we will be presenting: Messaging with WhatsApp and Yelp.

Learn strategies for using messaging tools to connect with consumers and grow your clientele.

WhatsApp (English) at 10:00 am
Yelp at 11:30am
WhatsApp (Spanish) at 6:00 pm

This event is not to be missed! For more information and to register, please visit www.lacityoptimized.org/accelerator-academy.

Our Accelerator Academy provides businesses e-commerce growth and marketing support through its educational programming. These webinars are held every first Tuesday of the month.

Office Hours: Meet with Marketing Experts!
October 5, 2021
10AM-12PM

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-optimized-accelerator-academy-tickets-159928473369

*Small Business Event Alert*

The City of Los Angeles and LA Optimized are partnering with TikTok to host a Small Biz Block Party for California businesses on October 19, 2021 at 10 am PST. The event is free and open to anyone who works at or owns a small business as well as media.

Los Angeles Mayor. Eric Garcetti will open the event with remarks and speak to how we can better support small businesses in their recovery. During the Small Biz Block Party, business owners will learn the basics of TikTok as well as industry-leading tools and tactics to reach new communities and grow their business.

You can learn more and RSVP here:

TikTok Small Biz Block Party: California An interactive workshop designed to introduce small businesses to the exciting growth opportunity waiting for them on TikTok.

Check out our latest feature in LA Times!

Heads up, small-business owners: There’s free help to improve your online presence L.A. Optimized is a free city program designed to help small businesses weather the pandemic by bolstering their websites, social media presence and e-commerce capabilities.