LA County DEO 2025 LA Region Small Business Forum, Connecting Hundreds to Resources and On-Site Support
Los Angeles, CA – Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger hosted the first of two 2025 LA Region Small Business Forums at the Pasadena Convention Center in celebration of Small Business Month.
Over 600 small businesses and partners attended the Forum, sponsored by Microsoft and Square, and accessed panels, permitting and certification workshops, and onsite programs and resources tailormade for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits across LA County. The Forums focus on resiliency and strength in the face of the January windstorms and wildfires and other economic disruptions and preparation of regional opportunities like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and LA28 Games.
More than 50 participating County and local, state, and federal departments, industry and business serving organizations, and community partners provided on-site support with business planning, government navigation, capital, public sector contracting, hiring and training, legal aid, and disaster relief with a focus on Eaton Fire-impacted businesses. Attendees left with information, resources, technical assistance, giveaways like Microsoft Surface Pros and Square point of sale hardware, and networks with our small business supporting ecosystem and fellow small business owners.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and many are still navigating the difficult road to recovery after the devastating January wildfires. That’s why these LA Region Small Business Forums are so important—they bring together public and private partners to deliver hands-on resources, expert guidance, and tangible support directly to our business community. I’m glad to know there was participation from Eaton Fire-impacted businesses and encourage others to attend the next forum and take full advantage of the tools available to help them rebuild and recover,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Barger.
“The Forums allow us to bring access to government and private sector leaders, technology, and capital and critical resources to the front doors of our local businesses to help them recover, rebuild and grow,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity.
“We’re proud to be part of a public-private partnership and to work alongside the trusted institutions that Angelenos rely on in times of need,” said Ahmed Ali Bob, Director of Social Impact at Block, the parent company of Square and Cash App. “Our commitment is to be with our small business community every step of the way on the road to recovery.”
“We’ve been super thankful for the support from the DEO since the fires affected our business. We’ve received grants, opportunities to work at County events, and have been able to provide ways to continue serving our community in Altadena,” said Kevin Mejia, Found and CEO of Bevel Coffee.
“Digital inclusion and AI empower small businesses and communities, breaking down barriers and unlocking new opportunities for growth, innovation, and resilience. Through collaboration with the LA County DEO and strong public-private partnerships, we can create a thriving, equitable future where technology uplifts every entrepreneur and neighbor,” said Mike Egan, Microsoft US Philanthropies.
DEO is hosting a second Forum next week and is still accepting RSVPs. The next LA Region Small Business Resource Forum will take place Wednesday, June 4th at The Lot at Formosa. For more information and to register visit: https://ladeobusiness.com. The Forums and all programming and resources are no cost to attendees and open to aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits countywide.
