The Los Angeles Small Business and Financial Empowerment Summit

By Charles Jackson Jr.

In October, the Mayor’s Office of Business and Economic Development partnered with BMO, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, the Bureau of Contract Administration, the Economic and Workforce Development Department, and Accessing L.A. to host The Los Angeles Small Business and Financial Empowerment Summit at BMO Stadium in Exposition Park.  More than 1,000 people reportedly attended. This was a very encouraging and empowering event for those who had an opportunity to attend.

Mayor Karen Bass was on hand and participated in a panel discussion about upcoming opportunities in Los Angeles for small business owners. Actress and business owner, Tracee Ross also joined the mayor on the panel, and BMO vice chair Eric Smith was the facilitator.  *We have international events coming up that will be opportunities for entrepreneurs and we want to make sure that those opportunities are available to our communities and that the process is open and transparent.*Mayor Bass stated to the audience.

This was a great networking event and it provided opportunities to obtain information, resources, and insights into government contracting that business owners and entrepreneurs need to be successful. It seems the goal of this summit was to promote economic growth within the city, it included panel discussions with experts in procurement, finance, infrastructure, and economic development, a resource expo with more than 60 providers, and networking opportunities.