In partnership with cities and communities across Los Angeles County, Path to 2028 events bring together speakers, public-sector partners, business resource providers, and DEO services to help businesses better understand how to prepare, compete, and grow. Attendees can learn about public contracting, vendor registration, business certifications, bid readiness, access to capital, technical assistance, and other resources available to support small business growth.

The initiative is part of LA County’s broader effort to ensure that local businesses, workers, and communities are positioned to benefit from the economic activity expected before, during, and after the 2028 Games. As the region prepares for increased demand across industries, such as tourism and hospitality, construction, transportation, and the creative economy, Path to 2028 will help connect businesses to the tools and information they need to be ready.

It will also advance LA28’s commitment to engage local and small businesses and achieve 75% local and 25% small business spend targets, in accordance with the LA28 Impact and Sustainability Plan. By helping more businesses get certified, registered, contract-ready, and on RAMP LA, LA County is building the supplier pipeline LA28 needs to meet its economic and sustainability impact goals while ensuring small businesses across the region can access the opportunities created by the Games. Further, the County purchases many of the same commodities and services that LA28 anticipates procuring, providing an opportunity for local small businesses to build capacity and benefit from multiple revenue streams.

“Only a few weeks ago, communities across Los Angeles County came together to celebrate soccer, culture and the people who make our region so vibrant. Now, we are building on that momentum as we prepare for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “Path to 2028 is not only about creating meaningful opportunities for local businesses and our economy, but also about expanding economic mobility and advancing inclusion across our communities. These global events are a chance to showcase the best of Los Angeles County and ensure our small and local businesses have every opportunity to grow, succeed and thrive on the world stage.”

“Path to 2028 represents our commitment to ensuring the Olympic and Paralympic Games provide the opportunity to uplift all Angelenos,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO. “We are not just preparing for a global event—we are building pathways to economic mobility, expanding opportunity, and investing in a more inclusive future for Los Angeles County.” 

The first Path to 2028 event was held on May 26, 2026 in partnership with the City of Pico Rivera. The next event will be held in partnership with the City of Torrance on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Registration and event details are available at opportunity.lacounty.gov/pathto2028. Additional events will be added across the County.

In addition to business support, DEO is also advancing workforce training and job-readiness programs — including Youth@Work, High Road Training Partnerships, and sector-based talent pipelines — to help residents prepare for quality jobs connected to the Games and the region’s long-term economy.

Cities, communities, organizations, and other local County partners interested in co-hosting a Path to 2028 event are encouraged to apply. For more information, to co-host an event, or to register for an upcoming event, visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/pathto2028.

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, LA County Film Office, 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.