FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 31, 2025
Contact
Angela Herrera Perez, Senior Public Information Specialist
press@opportunity.lacounty.go
DEO Opens Request for Proposals for Marketing and Outreach Services to Support the County’s New Employee and Worker Ownership Initiative
Applications Due January 30th, 2026, by 12:00 PM PT
Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced the release of the Employee and Worker Ownership Initiative (EWOI) Marketing and Outreach Services Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified entities to provide marketing and outreach services that help educate and enroll eligible participants to the County’s EWOI programs and raise awareness of employee and worker ownership business models for businesses of all sizes and their workers across LA County. There is up to $400,000 in total funding available. Applications are due Friday, January 30th, 2026, by 12:00 PM PT.
The Employee and Worker Ownership Initiative is an innovative strategy in realizing inclusive, community-rooted economic development in LA County and created in response to a September 2023 motion introduced by the LA County Board Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Lindsey P. Horvath. Through this RFP, DEO seeks a partner with demonstrated marketing and community engagement entity to build public understanding of shared ownership models, such as worker cooperatives, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and employee ownership trust-owned businesses as pathways to business resilience, job quality, and wealth-building, particularly in historically underserved communities.
The selected proposers will lead a countywide marketing and outreach campaign in partnership with DEO, targeting businesses of all sizes, workers, and relevant stakeholders. Services will include outreach and marketing strategy development, messaging and creative content production, multilingual communications, organization and execution of informational events, and grassroots outreach efforts aligned with DEO’s goals to expand participation in EWOI programs, transition graduates into these business models, and ultimately to advance economic mobility in the region.
Eligible entities and qualifications to propose for the EWOI Marketing RFP, include but are not limited to:
- A minimum of three consecutive years of experience within the past five years developing and implementing marketing, communications, and/or outreach campaigns of similar scope to the services
- Ability to deliver services in both English and Spanish and development of linguistically appropriate content for target audiences
- Ability to meet and comply with County requirements
This RFP is the first of three RFPs that DEO will be releasing as part of the EWOI. Forthcoming RFPs to be released early next year include those looking for the following:
- Applications open: Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
- Questions due: Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, by 12:00 PM (PST)
Questions and answers will be released via an Addendum by Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, by 12:00 PM (PST) - Proposals due: Friday, January 30th, 2026, by 12:00 PM (PST)
- Anticipated contract term: March 2026–June 2027
Learn more about the EWOI by visiting DEO’s website HERE. For all details on the RFP, including detailed eligibility and proposal requirements, please download the EWOI Marketing Services RFP HERE.
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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.