Economic
Mobility
Initiative
About the Initiative
The Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) is the County’s leading collaborative for business owners, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises. EMI provides a coordinated and customized approach across 15+ local partners to ensure you have access to all programs, services, and resources to not only start-up and grow, but advance economic mobility, build resiliency and generational wealth, and close the gender and racial wealth gap.
How to Apply
Submit an intake form to get started! After submitting an intake form, eligible participants will be connected to an EMI team member at the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, DEO’s hub partner, who will assess the business or nonprofit and ensure you are connected to the program options or services that best fits your needs. All are subject to schedule and availability.
As part of EMI, you may be eligible to benefit from the following:
Entrepreneurship Academies
Cohort-based Academies offer aspiring and current business owners with 40+ hours of classroom instruction, one-on-one coaching and business assistance. Enroll now for an Entrepreneurship Academy or Youth Entrepreneurship for ages 14-26.
Specialized Training and Support
Curriculum-based education to business owners and entrepreneurs of all stages including Social Enterprises and Nonprofits. Support available includes government contracting education and assistance, training for nonprofits, and Employee Ownership transition services.
Access to Capital & Commercial Space
Assistance accessing capital via our upcoming Small Business Mobility Fund, opportunities for commercial space via EMI’s Commercial Acquisition Fund and financial incentives for hiring employees via DEO’s America’s Job Centers of California.
Individualized Technical Assistance
Individualized one-on-one technical assistance and support that fits the specific needs of businesses. Support available includes help with recruiting and hiring employees, navigating government contracting, no cost legal assistance, applying for permits, and much more!
ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACADEMY
Participate in 8- to 10-week cohorts that provide technical assistance, mentorship, and entrepreneurship training.
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACADEMY
Join aspiring youth entrepreneurs and build financial and social capital, plus learn how to launch your tech career and entrepreneurship journey.
PROCUREMENT ACCELERATOR
Learn how to get certified and competitively bid for government contracts.
Presented by the Los Angeles Area Chamber’s One LA Program.
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP INTENSIVE
Explore if this is the right option for you and your business and get the help you need to make the transition.
Available through Project Equity.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE INCUBATOR
Explore revenue generating options as a nonprofit or level up your existing social enterprise.
Presented by Center for Nonprofit Management and REDF.
COMMERCIAL ACQUISITION FUND
Qualify for grants to support the acquisition of vacant or abandoned land and buildings.
(Not currently accepting new applications)
SMALL BUSINESS MOBILITY FUND
Apply for flexible start-up and scale-up capital for underserved entrepreneurs and business owners
(Coming December 2024)
LA COUNTY AMERICA’S JOB CENTER OF CALIFORNIA
Explore business tax credits and hiring incentives like subsidized wages.
Source, Recruit, and Hire Talent
Learn how America’s Job Centers of California can help your workforce grow.
Available through the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Compete for Government Contracts through APEX Accelerator
Explore how you can market your goods and services to government buyers.
Available through the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Get Legal Assistance at Any Stage of Your Business
Receive prioritized access to legal aid and connect with legal experts at no cost.
Available through the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Business Consultants are ready to help you get your business to the next level!
Let us help you with the following:
- Establishing a Business Structure
- Cash Flow Management and Evaluation
- Much More…
Announcements
- Precinct Reporter News: L.A. County Small Business Programs
Los Angeles County’s Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) launched American Rescue Plan Act programs and grant opportunities for small businesses, microbusinesses, and nonprofits.
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.