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:
Start or Grow a Career
Stop by your local AJCC to access free job training and career counseling, paid work experiences, layoff aversion, high-road training partnerships, qualifed talent, and more!
Build & Grow a Business
Access free 1-on-1 individualized counseling tailored to help you kick start, launch, & certify your small business, including workshops, referrals for legal assistance, grant opportunities & more!
Access Pandemic Relief
Connect to more than $156 million in American Rescue Plan Act programs designed to help build an equitable economic recovery from the COVID19 pandemic.
Build Back Better.
DEO is committed to helping communities & businesses build back better by deploying more than $156 million in economic and workforce development programing 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.
Shop Local LA County
Neighbors, family members, and friends are the faces behind our most cherished small businesses! To share the love back, Team DEO kick started Shop Local LA County to support mom & pop stores and strengthen the bonds that connect our communities.
Mentor. Train. Hire. Elevate!
Businesses in LA County can boost their workforce and create new career pathways for youth through Youth @ Work Elevate!
100% of the internship will be covered for up to 400 hours. Partner with Team DEO and get matched with a highly-motivated youth intern!
DEO Newsroom
Resources for Workers and Businesses Impacted by the Entertainment Strikes
Team DEO and our LA County Film Office hosted a free, live webinar for workers and businesses impacted by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike. Alongside writers and actors, the shutdown of television and film productions have adversely impacted many crew members and small, local businesses from florists to caterers to dry cleaners that work within the entertainment industry. The webinar featured resources and technical assistance offered by various County departments and partners to all workers and businesses financially impacted by the strikes.
Modernizing LA County’s Public Workforce System
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is excited to announce the release of the Los Angeles County America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC) Modernization Request for Proposals (AJCC Modernization RFP). This RFP seeks non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, public agencies, social enterprises, public or private higher education institutions and/or similar organizations to administer services as an AJCC through the implementation of key modernization strategies and north star principles.
LA County General Hospital & West Campus: Centennial Development Project
DEO will engage a vendor to reimagine the historical LA County General Hospital & West Campus and transform the 25 acres of land into a place of recovery, growth, and healing. This vendor will submit a proposal for the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of a multi-purpose development site to support the local community and our most vulnerable populations with affordable housing and holistic services – a concept inspired by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis’ “Healthy Village” vision at General Hospital.
LA County Launches Fair Chance Hiring Program to Give System-Impacted Individuals an Equal Chance at Employment
LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and the Department of Economic Opportunity joined business and community leaders to launch the Fair Chance Hiring Program, galvanizing the county’s business community to adopt Fair Chance hiring practices with the goal of getting 200 local businesses to commit to hiring system-impacted individuals this year.