Unlocking LA County’s economic opportunity and potential for
job seekers and businesses.
DEO works to unlock LA County’s economic potential and build thriving, inclusive local communities.
Whether you’re looking to start a new career or grow a small business, we got you covered! The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is LA County’s central economic and workforce development hub helping residents connect to new career pathways, start and certify a business, and access life-changing opportunities.
We’re working to advance equity and inclusive, sustainable growth through all DEO programs and services by targeting economic benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalized communities, small businesses and residents in LA County.
Team DEO can help you:
Connect to LA County’s Small Business Commission (SBC)
DEO is home to LA County’s Small Business Commission, a 25 member advisory committee appointed by the LA County Board of Supervisors to provide ongoing advice and support for small businesses within LA County.
Grow Your Business with the Economic Mobility Initiative
Empower your small business or non-profit by accessing tailored support that helps you thrive and build generational wealth in our communities through DEO’s new Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI). Access no cost support today!
Kick Start 2025 with a New Holiday Grant
Team DEO launched a new Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant program, powered in partnership by the American Rescue Plan Act and @paceinla, to help you recover and grow in the new year! You could be eligible for up to $5,000 in funding!
MEHKOs Are Now Authorized in LA County
The recently enacted Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) ordinance allows individuals to transform their home kitchens into small-scale restaurants, offering a unique opportunity to earn money while doing what you love.
Equity Starts with a Fair Chance
LA County’s Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers is now in effect as of September 3rd, providing rights, protections, and enforcement mechanisms for persons with criminal histories looking for a job in the unincorporated areas of LA County.
Connect to DEO’s Youth@Work Program
Let us help you turn your potential into a great career! DEO’s Youth@Work program provides LA County youth ages 14 to 24 with hands-on paid work experience, training opportunities, and career development support! Connect to your dream career pathway today!
Build Back Better.
DEO is committed to helping communities & businesses build back better by deploying more than $156 million in economic and workforce development programming through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Small Business corner
Supporting Sidewalk Vendors
With support from local and regional partners, we’re here to help sidewalk vendors start up and thrive in our growing open-air economy, while also ensuring safe and healthy communities through compliant sidewalk vending operations.
Business Interruption Fund
Applications for the Second District Business Interruption Fund, funded by LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, are now OPEN! If your business has faced recent disruptions, you could be eligible for grants for up to $10k!
SmallBiz Permit Express
Navigating the permitting process can feel challenging, but with the new LA County SmallBiz Permit Express, it just got a whole lot easier. Enjoy 25% faster response times, priority inspections, and streamlined support tailored for businesses!
DEO Newsroom
360+ Small Businesses Awarded $4.0M through LA County’s Entertainment Business Interruption Fund Grant Program
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the County Film Office awarded $4 million to 363 COVID-19 impacted small and micro businesses supporting the entertainment industry through the Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF) Grant program.
Topanga Businesses Receive Support from
Supervisor Horvath
Twenty-three businesses impacted by the landslide that closed Topanga Canyon Boulevard earlier this year have been awarded grants up to $10,000 through the Topanga Business Interruption Fund, created by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. The program launched to ensure local, brick-and-mortar businesses in the Topanga Canyon community bounce back from the economic impacts sustained during the spring closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard due to the landslide.
LA County Invests $25M to Support Small Businesses and Strengthen Communities Through the New Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI)
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in partnership with 15 local community-based organizations, launched the Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI), a $25 million investment aiming to support the startup and growth of local entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofits.
LA County Mobilizes Regional Partners and Resources for Workers Impacted by the Closures of 99 Cents Only Stores Countywide
The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and its regional partners held the first of several upcoming rapid response events to urgently connect soon-to-be laid off local workers, impacted by the recent bankruptcy and closure of dozens of local 99 Cents Only Stores, to critical workforce services.
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