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:
Emergency Wildfire Resource Hub Now Available
DEO has launched an emergency one-stop resource hub for businesses and workers impacted by the LA County wildfires including emergency and recovery updates, business and worker support, and upcoming webinars and events.
Business to Business Space
Share Program
DEO and LA County ISD launched a free virtual exchange where organizations and individuals with available workspace can connect with displaced businesses and nonprofits impacted by the windstorm and wildfires.
LA County’s Small Business Commission
DEO is home to LA County’s Small Business Commission, an advisory body that represents the interests and concerns of the small business community in the County to the Board of Supervisors, helping businesses grow and engage with Los Angeles County.
Join DEO’s Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI)
DEO’s Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) connects business owners, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises to academies, specialized training and support, access to capital and commercial spaces, and individualized technical assistance through 15+ partners.
Join DEO’s Youth@Work
Program
DEO’s Youth@Work program provides LA County youth ages 14 to 24 with 160 hours of hands-on paid work experience, training opportunities, and career development support including tailored plans to map out your career path through our America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs).
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.
MEHKOs Now Authorized
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.
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
LA County DEO Announces the High Road Training Partnership Fund, a $17 Million Grant Program for Job Training Programs and Partners
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is launching a new High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) Fund, a grant program, with over $17 million available to fund innovative, high-quality workforce training models delivered by worker-centered organizations and employers. Applications will open on March 31, 2025. During the application window, technical assistance will be provided, including informational sessions and an application toolkit.
Los Angeles County and LA City Announce Wildfire Relief Funds for Small Businesses and Workers
In the aftermath of devastating windstorms and wildfires that have disrupted lives and businesses across Los Angeles County, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) today announced the launch of the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds.
New LA County Platform Helps Wildfire Displaced Businesses Find Free Commercial Spaces
As part of its ongoing efforts to support small businesses impacted by recent windstorms and wildfires, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today announced the launch of Business-to-Business Space Share. This free exchange platform connects displaced businesses, including nonprofits, to temporary workspaces generously donated by other businesses throughout LA County.
State of CA Awards $10 Million to LA County’s DEO to Support Workforce Recovery for Wildfire-Impacted Communities
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has awarded $10 million to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) as part of a $20 million federal and state commitment to support workers and communities impacted by the devastating wildfires across LA County.
Los Angeles County DEO Mobilizes Support Through Local Assistance Centers and Disaster Outreach Loan Centers
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) will be joining federal, state, and local partners, including the County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and local city governments, to provide on-site direct services to those impacted by the recent wildfires at the newly opened Local Assistance Centers (LACs) and SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs).
Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity Launches Emergency Resources Webpage for Workers and Businesses Impacted by the Wildfires
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched an emergency resources webpage for workers and businesses to aid those impacted by the devastating wildfires. Designed as a one-stop hub, the page provides resources, assistance, and up-to-date information to support businesses and workers as they navigate recovery and rebuilding efforts.