Economic Mobility Initiative
Powering Businesses, Empowering Our Communities
Welcome to the LA County Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI), the County’s 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 help you thrive and build generational wealth in our communities. Learn more about how DEO and its 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 education and one‑on‑one instruction from partners across all five Supervisorial Districts. Support includes foundational business training and mentorship. Participants leave with a completed business plan and ongoing assistance to pursue 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 provide cohort‑based training and one‑on‑one technical assistance to small businesses and nonprofits. These services include those that strengthen operations, develop new revenue streams, support business resilience and viability, and more.
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Access to Capital and Commercial Space
EMI and its partners supports small businesses, nonprofits, and early startup ventures through the provision of critical capital throught its Small Business Mobility Funds. Presently there are two funds open: Formalization Grants for sidewalk vendors and Launch Grants for businesses opening a new brick-and-mortar space in the unincorporated areas of the County.
How to Apply
Step 1: Submit an intake form. For the Cannabis Social Equity Entrepreneurship Academy, please apply directly instead.
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
About the Initiative
The Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) is the County’s strategic investment in integrated, comprehensive support that expands economic opportunity for communities facing barriers to entrepreneurship and business viability, as well as those disproportionately affected by broader economic challenges, including the COVID‑19 pandemic. EMI works to ensure an inclusive and equitable recovery by connecting residents and small businesses with the resources they need to achieve long‑term economic prosperity.
Led by the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity, EMI partners with more than 15 community‑based organizations to provide coordinated access to programs, services, and tools that advance economic mobility, strengthen business and household resilience, support the creation of generational wealth, and help close the gender and racial wealth gap.
This program is made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act, Care First Community Investment, 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 in overcoming barriers to small business start-up and growth.
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.
Initiative Highlights
