Economic & Workforce Development Department

Yesterday, leadership staff attended the South LA All In Infrastructure Forum where General Manager Abigail Marquez participated in the “Big Picture” panel. Marquez highlighted the importance of workforce and business initiatives and overall access to opportunities in LA for the upcoming major sporting events.

The WSC’s will play an integral role in preparing Angelenos for living-wage job opportunities connected to the Olympics and other major sporting events coming to LA. Through integrated skills development, career planning, and post-event placement support, WSCs will help individuals transition into long-term, sustainable employment beyond these high-profile events.

The impact of ProcureLA and the work already being done to support local businesses in accessing procurement opportunities was also highlighted. Through comprehensive technical assistance and capacity-building services, bid and proposal review, certification support, and post-award contract compliance guidance. To date, the program has reached 3,150 individuals through outreach efforts, enrolled 119 businesses, and supported contract awards totaling $45,983,788.

In observance of Memorial Day, EWDD offices will be closed as we take time to honor the holiday and remember those who have served our country.

EWDD wishes everyone a safe and meaningful holiday. Regular office hours will resume the following business day.

Join us for the next upcoming webinars in the Legacy Business Toolkit Webinar Series, designed to help small business owners access practical tools, resources, and strategies for long-term success and sustainability.

The series continues with:
• Zoning & Permitting – How to Apply for the Permanent Al Fresco Program on May 19, 2026
• Succession Planning – Succession Planning Options for Small Businesses on May 26, 2026

Both webinars will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

During these virtual webinars, business owners will learn about navigating permitting processes for outdoor dining spaces, as well as legal tools and succession planning strategies that support business growth, transition, and continuity. Attendees will hear directly from industry experts, City departments, and community partners.

For more information, please visit bit.ly/lalegacytoolkit.

During Older Americans Month, the City of Los Angeles is proud to highlight the support available to older adults through resources and services that promote independence, well-being, and opportunity.

These services include:

• Multi-purpose senior centers and dining halls
• Door-to-door transportation services
• Subsidized training programs for low-income older adults
• Housing, mental health, and legal assistance resources

To learn more about these programs offered at our Multipurpose Senior Centers, visit aging.lacity.gov.

Attention all business owners! 🔔

EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers regularly offer free and engaging online and in-person workshops designed to assist entrepreneurs throughout their business journey.

Attendees can learn more about Loans, Marketing, Capital, and more!

On May 12th EWDD leadership staff along with four BusinessSource (BSC) Centers attended Mayor Karen Bass’ Latino Business Procurement Event held at the LA Convention Center.

More than 200+ business owners and entrepreneurs gathered to learn about resources, partake in two panels, and one fireside chat led by the Mayor. The second panel titled “Winning Big: Lessons from Small Businesses Behind Major Events” was moderated by Daysi Hernandez, EWDD Chief Grants Administrator, and discussed how small businesses successfully acquired government contracts for the Super Bowl and other high-profile events.

BSC representatives were in attendance to discuss resources and to get businesses “contract ready” for all of the upcoming sporting events coming to the City of LA in the upcoming years.

If you missed this event, the Sports & Entertainment Summit will be back in Fall 2026. Stay tuned for more information.

EWDD’s WorkSource Centers are hosting multiple recruitment events this month!

Multiple employers are seeking to hire various positions and will be available to meet with interested participants.

Event details are below:

Adept Job Fair:
📆 Date: May 20, 2026
🕙 Time: 9 AM - 1 PM
📍 Location: 5446 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230

Maxim Healthcare Job Fair:
📆 Date: May 27, 2026
🕙 Time: 9 AM - 1 PM
📍 Location: 5446 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230

West LA Job Fair:
📆 Date: May 29, 2026
🕙 Time: 1 PM - 4 PM
📍 Location: 5446 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230

Attendees are reminded to bring the required documents listed on the flyer.

On May 11th, EWDD leadership joined Mayor Karen Bass at the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) BusinessSource Center to announce the impact of ProcureLA.

Through ProcureLA, more than $45 million in contracts was secured for small businesses in Los Angeles. EWDD is proud to be part of programs that help local businesses and entrepreneurs become contract-ready and build industry connections, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, LA28 Olympic and Paralympics Games.

In partnership with PACE, ProcureLA continues connecting small businesses to workshops, resources, and contracting opportunities that help businesses grow and create jobs in Los Angeles.

Attention all business owners! 🔔

EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers regularly offer free and engaging online and in-person workshops designed to assist entrepreneurs throughout their business journey.

Attendees can learn more about Business Principles, Marketing, Access to Capital, and more!

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the contributions, and wisdom older adults provide to our communities every day.

The City of Los Angeles recognizes older adults and honors them for all they have done and continue to do for their families and communities. We continue to commemorate the legacy they have built throughout their lives and the pathway they pave for future generations of Angelenos.