FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2026
Contact
Angela Herrera Perez, Senior Public Information Specialist
press@opportunity.lacounty.gov
DEO Launches Shop Local Business Labs Series to Equip Small Businesses with Tools to Innovate, Compete, and Grow
Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today announced the launch of the Shop Local Business Labs Series, a five-part, hands-on workshop experience designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, adopt new technologies, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
Presented as part of DEO’s Shop Local LA County initiative, the Business Labs Seriesbrings together leading public and private-sector partners to provide expert advice, practical training, and actionable insights across five core areas critical to small business success: Artificial Intelligence, Marketing, Government Contracting, Technology Tools, and Legal Aid.
The Shop Local Business Labs are interactive, in-person learning experiences where participants engage directly with subject matter experts, apply new skills in real time, and connect with peers and partners. Whether business owners are just beginning their digital journey or preparing to automate and scale, the Labs are designed to meet them where they are and help them innovate with confidence.
The Shop Local Business Labs Series builds on the County’s ongoing Shop Local LA County efforts and advances the goals outlined in the November 18, 2025 motion by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, which reaffirmed the need for sustained, long-term economic stimulation for small businesses facing compounding challenges from wildfires, immigration enforcement impacts, tariffs, federal disruptions, and broader economic uncertainty. By strengthening small business competitiveness, expanding customer reach, and equipping entrepreneurs with modern tools and skills, the Business Labs support the County’s broader strategy to stimulate the local economy.
This effort also aligns with the County’s participation in the “LA is Open” initiative, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), signaling to local, national, and global audiences that Los Angeles County is open for business. With more than 1.3 million small businesses across 88 cities and over 120 unincorporated areas, LA County is well positioned to welcome worldwide visitors as the region prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, yet they are facing compounding challenges—from wildfires and economic uncertainty to rapid technological change and ongoing harmful immigration raids. These disruptions have impacted workers, families, and local economies in Los Angeles County and across the country,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “The Shop Local Business Labs Series is about meeting entrepreneurs where they are and equipping them with the tools, skills, and partnerships they need to adapt, compete, and grow. By investing in small businesses, we are strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and inclusive economy for all.”
“Small businesses are the heart of our local economy and contribute to the cultural fabric of our communities. These workshops will ensure our small businesses are equipped with the skills to compete in a digital economy. Mom and Pop shops provide economic mobility for owners, are local employers, and when they thrive, our neighborhoods thrive. I’m thrilled we are offering two workshops in two of our most historic business corridors along Vermont Ave and Central Avenue,” said Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.
“Small businesses bring character to our neighborhoods and make Los Angeles County the incredible place people know and love. We’re not just asking residents to shop small—we’re backing our small businesses with real, practical support. I encourage every small business owner to take advantage of our Business Labs for free, one-on-one guidance to help them grow,” said Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn.
“Small businesses do more than drive the economy—they help define the character and strength of our local communities,” said a Microsoft TechSpark lead, Linda Nguyen. “Through the Shop Local Business Labs, we’re excited to work with LA County, partners and across communities to support entrepreneurs as they build practical AI skills and use digital tools in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for their businesses and customers. We look forward to being a part of these efforts and regional vitality.”
“We are grateful for the public-private partnerships catalyzing this Shop Local Business Lab Series, knowing we need to reach small businesses, deeply engage, and anticipate the realities of our current and future digital economy,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Mobility. “We hope small businesses will join DEO as well as our partners at Microsoft, Google, Braven, Square, and Bet Tzedek as we bolster our small business acumen and relationships together.”
Five Expert-Led Workshops
The Shop Local Business Labs Series features five workshops, each focused on a key growth area:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Led by Microsoft, this lab introduces small businesses to practical AI applications, including effective interaction with AI tools, streamlining tasks, reducing operational costs, and using AI for business analysis.
- Marketing – Led by Grow with Google and Braven, this workshop helps participants develop essential digital marketing skills, including social media advertising strategies, reaching key audiences, website optimization, search engine optimization (SEO), and tools to enhance online visibility.
- Contracting – Led by DEO, this session demystifies government contracting and certification, guiding businesses through how to register and certify, identify appropriate contracting opportunities, and use digital tools to develop a strong Statement of Qualifications.
- Technology Tools – Led by Square, this lab introduces modern tools that help businesses build efficiency, improve operations, and become more accessible to customers.
- Legal Aid – Led by Bet Tzedek, this workshop connects businesses with legal guidance on contracts, business protection, relevant policies related to operating a business online, and key legal actions and resources available.
Each event will also include one-on-one consultations with presenters and partners, allowing participants to receive tailored guidance and connect directly to resources they can apply immediately.
Upcoming Business Lab Events
The Shop Local Business Labs Series will roll out across multiple Supervisorial Districts beginning in February 2026, with additional events scheduled through March and more to be announced. Businesses countywide are welcomed to register, regardless of where the workshop is located.
- Supervisorial District 1
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM– 7:30 PM
El Centro de Maravilla, 4716 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 4:00PM – 7:30 PM
East San Gabriel Valley America’s Job Center of California (AJCC),
14101 Nelson Ave E, La Puente, CA 91746
- Supervisorial District 2
Friday, February 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
8101 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044
Hosted in partnership with Community Coalition
Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
7651 S Central Ave Los Angeles, CA 90001
Hosted in partnership with the Salvation Army
- Supervisorial District 4
Thursday, March 18, 2026 | 4:00PM – 7:30 PM
245 E. 3rd Street, Long Beach, CA 90802 (Skipper Conference Room – Main Event Room)
Hosted in partnership with the Long Beach Accelerator
Part of the Shop Local LA Initiative
The Shop Local Business Labs Series is part of Shop Local LA County, a countywide campaign led by DEO focused on helping local businesses expand their customer base and revenue, while encouraging residents to support small, diverse businesses and strengthen the region’s local economy. To learn about Shop Local LA County, visit shoplocal.la.
For more information about the Shop Local Business Labs Series and upcoming events, visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/shoplocallabsseries/.
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About DEO: About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.