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.
As part of EMI, you may be eligible to benefit from the following:
Technical Assistance and Support
Individualized technical assistance and support that fits the specific needs of businesses. Whether you need help navigating County permits or getting established, EMI can help your business get to the next level!
Access to Capital and Commercial Space
Assistance accessing capital and opportunities for commercial space through loan packaging and programs, including EMI’s Commercial Acquisition Fund and Economic Mobility Fund (forthcoming).
In-Depth Education and Training
Curriculum-based education to business owners and entrepreneurs of all stages including Social Enterprise and Nonprofit Growth, Entrepreneurship Academies, Youth Academy, and Procurement Accelerator.
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.
Do you need help starting and growing your business? Enroll in a LA County Entrepreneurship Cohort to walk away with a business strategy that meets both your operations and people management needs! Accommodations available for in-person or online courses in both English and Spanish.
LA County Entrepreneurship Academy
Participate in 8- to 10-week cohorts that provide technical assistance, mentorship, and entrepreneurship training.
Cohorts available in every Supervisorial District and presented by partners including Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator & Fellowship (LEEAF), Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), Initiating Change in our Neighbors (ICON CDC), and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Our EMI business consultants are ready to help you get your business to the next level! Access customized support that best first your business needs including establishing a business structure, financial planning, cash flow management and evaluation, loan application packaging, acquiring a permit or license, applying for a license or certificate, workforce training and hiring, SWOT analysis, marketing plan, one-on-one coaching, procurement assistance, and much more!
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.
Apply for flexible start-up and scale-up capital for underserved entrepreneurs and business owners. Available through the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity
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.
