City of Los Angeles - Business Assistance Virtual Network

City Services for Small Business

3-1-1 One Call to City Hall Los Angeles Business Solutions Cultural Community Services Development Program Enterprise/Empowerment Zone Rate Subsidy Program Environmental Business and Neighborhood Services Division General contractor list for eligible homeowners to solicit bids for Citywide Single and Multi-family Rehabilitation Program work Libraries (Business Information) Los Angeles World Airports Small Business and Job Opportunities Mandatory Subcontracting Minimum, Public Works Mayor's Office of Housing and Economic Development, Minority Business Opportunity Center Meeting Facilities Section 3 Local Hiring Compliance Smooth Power Utility Infrastructure Loan
3-1-1 One Call to City Hall
3-1-1 is an easy to remember, citywide toll free number that provides immediate access to information and to more than 1,500 City non-emergency services. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by 3-1-1 agents who are trained to provide information or refer calls for service to the correct City agency - the first time. In order to provide world-class customer service, 3-1-1 is available: In English In Spanish To the hearing or speech impaired In more than 150 other languages through the use of language translation services To access this service, dial 311.
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Los Angeles Business Solutions
To make it easier for businesses to find what they need online--instead of waiting in line or waiting on hold--Los Angeles Business Solutions takes the content from over twenty city websites and places it on a single one-stop web portal. All the basics you need to start, grow, green, and expand your business are available 24-hours a day at your fingertips! Visit our website at http://business.lacity.org for more information.
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Cultural Community Services Development Program
The cultural community development program office of the Cultural Affairs Department offers management advice and challenge grant funding to more than 245 small non-profit businesses with annual operating budgets less than $800,000 per year. The small non-profit businesses that are selected for this program provide outdoor festival and parade production, dance concerts and classes, graphic and environmental design, literature and publishing, film festival production and media-arts programming, music concerts and classes, theatrical plays and workshops, folk arts and cultural heritage programs, museum programs and visual arts exhibitions, variety arts products, and/or arts education/outreach. In exchange for the endorsement and financial support of the Cultural Affairs Department, these businesses: raise matching donations from for-profit corporations, private foundations and individual donors and/or register donated gifts and volunteerism offer low-cost or free services to LA residents and tourists provide services to culturally underserved peoples and neighborhoods provide statistics on the nature and growth of their businesses, and provide statistics on consumer confidence For further information, please contact Joe Smoke at (213) 473-8590 or e-mail .
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Enterprise/Empowerment Zone Rate Subsidy Program
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers a five-year electrical rate reduction for new and expanding businesses located in the City's State Enterprise Zone or Federal Empowerment Zone. The program is funded by LADWP and managed by the Community Development Department (CDD). CDD reviews and transmits screened Enterprise Zone Rate applications to the LADWP's Energy Rates Group. The Energy Rates Group will then determine the applicant's eligibility for the program and ascertain that the applicant's accounts are paid up-to-date. The subsidy for the five-year rate reduction for eligible Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Zone businesses is as follows: Year 1: 35% Year 2: 30% Year 3: 25% Year 4: 20% Year 5: 10% The Enterprise Zone Rate is intended to attract and encourage business expansion and create jobs in economically depressed areas of Los Angeles. To apply for the rate, contact the CDD at (213) 485-4767 or visit their website at www.lacity.org/CDD.
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Environmental Business and Neighborhood Services Division
The Environmental Business and Neighborhood Services Division (EBNS) assists small to medium-sized businesses with achieving environmental compliance in a non-regulatory and non-enforcement manner through industrial pollution prevention and source reduction strategies by providing the following services: Environmental assistance centers: Hazardous Toxic Material Office - Assists businesses by resolving environmental issues or questions related to technical assistance, permitting, or compliance through the HTM Hotline or e-mail; Environmental Information Center - Assists businesses on general environmental issues or questions through the EIC Hotline or e-mail. Business Outreach Provides non-regulatory and non-enforcement technical assistance through on-site training and public workshops for small and medium-sized businesses. Environmental Affairs Department Website / Business Assistance Webpage-An informational resource tool that provides information on EAD and EBNS services, pollution prevention and source reduction strategies, and links to other agencies and departments. Reports and Publications - Provides local businesses and the general public a broad array of essential environmental information that include pollution prevention practices which help individuals and businesses protect the environment without the burden of high costs. Publications include: Pollution Prevention Fact Sheets of targeted industries such as mobile car washers and dry cleaning solvent alternatives; Business Assistance Guides such as "Hazardous Waste Management Guide" and "Business Guide to Environmental Services"; "The Community Guide to Environmental Services" detailing available federal, state, and local environmental services; "An Environmental Affair", a monthly environmental newsletter to inform businesses about environmental issues and activities in Los Angeles. Please contact Karin Christie at (213) 978-0875 or email for more information.
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General contractor list for eligible homeowners to solicit bids for Citywide Single and Multi-family Rehabilitation Program work
The Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) provides housing rehabilitation services to low and moderate-income homeowners and owners of multi-family apartment buildings occupied by low income tenants. These services are delivered by City staff through five regional field offices and contracted community based organizations. Based upon initial eligibility, NPP staff conducts property inspections, prepares work write-ups and cost estimates. With NPP staff technical assistance, the owner is required to secure a minimum of two bids (preferably three) from eligible general contractors. The owner then reviews the proposed scope of work and chooses the best contractor available. A construction contract is then drawn up and executed by the homeowner and contractor. A list of general contractors is maintained by the department and given to eligible homeowners upon request as a courtesy to assist in soliciting a minimum of two contractor bids. This listing of contractors is NOT a list of approved or recommended contractors. The list contains contractors that have expressed interest in participating in the program and have undergone minimum eligibility screening to be deemed eligible to bid on projects with City funding. Contractors supply information including name, address, size and dollar amount of past jobs. Copies of pertinent documents such as contractor's license, insurance, and business license are required. The Contractor State License Board is contacted for complaint information. Contractor orientations are held to explain the process of working on City funded jobs. For more information contact Douglas Smith at (213) 808-8985 or e-mail .
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Libraries (Business Information)
The Business and Economics Department's mission is to provide essential information needed by Small Businesses including: Basic information on starting a business, legal entity, forms, procedures; Industry information: identify the market size, industry trends, identify the competitors; Product information: who are the suppliers, potential buyers; Demographic information; All other components of a business plan and how to write it. The Department also has: A collection of guides on how to start up businesses of all types; Resources to identify funding sources from traditional business lenders to angel investors; Electronic databases and Internet sources; Assistance in using resources to expand marketing/advertising efforts for small businesses; Trade magazines that can assist small business owners in following industry trends; Frequent lectures by knowledgeable business experts; Tools for site selection. The Science, Technology and Patents Department offers a large variety of services to Small Business including: Cost and price guides for products and services in various industries including automotive, aeronautical and building construction; Codes and standards for building construction, various types of manufacturing and individual products; Study guides and examination preparation as well as professional material for entry and promotion in many fields; Essential information for doing business related to the culinary arts, hotel and restaurant management, health care, computer technology and other technical business fields; Frequent lectures by knowledgeable intellectual property experts related to protecting and marketing new products and inventions. The Department is a Patent and Trademark Depository Library designated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and has been for over 100 years. In this capacity service is offered to the independent inventor and prospective businessperson or small manufacturer as well as assisting attorneys and others researching intellectual property records. Visit your local Los Angeles Public Library. For more information, log on to www.lapl.org.
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Los Angeles World Airports Small Business and Job Opportunities
The mission of the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Small Business and Job Opportunities (SBJO) section of the Community Relations Division is to provide neighboring small business enterprises, job seekers and community residents quality access to business contracting and job opportunities with LAWA and other businesses and governmental agencies in the region. This access to economic opportunities has been accomplished through strategic and integrated collaborations designed to leverage resources, minimize duplication and maximize customer satisfaction. Outreach to the small business community is accomplished through a variety of programs, including but not limited to the following: Participation and Sponsorship of business outreach events and trade shows supporting local, regional and national business associations such as the Latin Business Association, Black Business Association, Asian Business Association, National Association of Woman Business Owners, and the Airport Minority Advisory Council; Special industry and community events organized by SBJO staff in cooperation with local business associations and local chambers of commerce and local educational institutions; The creation of industry-specific partnerships with local workforce development and educational providers to link local job seekers, high school youth, college students and young adults to opportunities for Airport employment The creation of partnerships with the Mayor's Office, Corporate Partners, Community-based organizations, other governmental agencies and business assistance providers to link local small business enterprises with contracting opportunities, technical development and other resources; Business and Employment-related presentations and workshops to local community organizations and business groups. To reach SBJO, call (310) 417-6490.
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Mandatory Subcontracting Minimum, Public Works
The Bureau of Engineering assists in implementing the Board of Public Works Mandatory Subcontracting Minimum (MSM) Policy on all construction contracts awarded by the Board of Public Works. The goal of the Board's MSM Policy is to maximize subcontracting opportunities for Minority, Women, and Other Business Enterprises. Bureau of Engineering staff sets the MSM on all construction projects with the Board's goal in mind. This guarantees that a minimum amount of dollars from every construction contract is given to the subcontracting community. This program indirectly assists small businesses because many of the subcontractors working on construction projects awarded by the Board of Public Works are small businesses. Please contact Jim Zabala via email at .
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Mayor's Office of Housing and Economic Development, Minority Business Opportunity Center
The Los Angeles Minority Business Opportunity Center is a free resource that can provide you with assistance in the areas of Contracts and Procurement, and Capital Access. You can register with LA MBOC for networking opportunities, entry in the the national Minority Business Development Agency's Phoenix/Opportunity database, and receipt of a bi-annual newsletter. Please call (213) 978-0671 for more information.
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Meeting Facilities
The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) provides Meeting Rooms and Exhibit Halls of various sizes and capacities where small businesses may meet or participate in vendor fairs. The LACC has been the site of many such meetings. The purpose of the meetings or vendor fairs is to provide an avenue for businesses of various sizes to meet and provide information on the services the companies provide. The meetings or vendor fairs can be topic (services) specific or encompass a broad spectrum of services. Contact George T. Rakis of the Convention Center (213) 741-1151, Ext. 5307 or email for more information.
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Section 3 Local Hiring Compliance
Under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968, wherever HUD financial assistance is given for housing or community development, to the greatest extent feasible, economic opportunities will be given to residents and businesses in that area. It is a means by which HUD fosters local economic development, neighborhood economic improvement, and individual self-sufficiency. Because LAHD is a recipient of HUD financial assistance for its new construction, homeownership and rehabilitation programs, contractors and subcontractors are required to provide economic opportunities to the greatest extent feasible, consistent with existing Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. LAHD sends to HUD annual reports to report on compliance with the Section 3 legal requirement. LAHD monitors the performance of contractors and investigates complaints. Contact Jim Bloor at (213) 808-8552 or e-mail for more information.
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Smooth Power
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Smooth Power Program offers technical assistance and project financing to commercial or industrial customers who require higher levels of power quality and reliable service. Higher power quality and reliability levels reduce customer operation down time, labor costs, legal liabilities, and avoid material waste. Customers must have a good utility bill payment history. Current products and services include: 1. Automatic Transfer Switch (approximately $100,000 each) Customers must have dual power sources or power feeders from LADWP Customers can either pay the full costs to LADWP, or obtain financing through the Utility Infrastructure Loan Program 2. Meter Based Power Surge Protection Services Available to small size businesses, including home-based businesses having a 200Amp, 120/240V, 1�-3Wire meter at their service Monthly service charge will be $7.95 Second-stage surge protection equipment for telephone, cable TV, and electronic equipment will be offered for purchase. These devices are in the $20-$60 range. Products come with a manufacturer's product warranty Technical Services are rendered by the Power Quality Group based on hourly rates or as part of a value added package. Please contact Bernadette Singleton Kirkwood at (213) 367-4717 or email for details.
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Utility Infrastructure Loan
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Utility Infrastructure Loan Program provides investment capital to new and growing local businesses for which short-term, low-cost financing is not readily available. Through this program, LADWP seeks to reinforce its commitment to attract, retain, and expand businesses in the City of Los Angeles. LADWP will advance funds to customers to pay for utility infrastructure facilities required by the LADWP to provide electric energy or water service to the customer. Funds may also be provided for the installation of equipment or facilities that will conserve electric energy or water usage and promote demand side management or improve power reliability/quality. Customers interested in applying for a loan should submit the following information to the Economic Development Group: Project/Service Address Project Description Requested loan amount Contractor/Vendor estimates Financial Statements for the most recent 3 years Current loan terms are approximately 5.5% APR for up to 3 years (rate varies according to LADWP's cost of capital). Loans greater than $150,000 require prior approval by the LADWP Board of Commissioners. Please contact Bernadette Singleton Kirkwood at (213) 367-4717 or email for details.
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LA BAVN is NOT responsible for the timeliness or accuracy of this data.
If in doubt, please contact the opportunity's agency of record for additional information.

3-1-1 One Call to City Hall

Los Angeles Business Solutions

Cultural Community Services Development Program

Enterprise/Empowerment Zone Rate Subsidy Program

Environmental Business and Neighborhood Services Division

General contractor list for eligible homeowners to solicit bids for Citywide Single and Multi-family Rehabilitation Program work

Libraries (Business Information)

Los Angeles World Airports Small Business and Job Opportunities

Mandatory Subcontracting Minimum, Public Works

Mayor's Office of Housing and Economic Development, Minority Business Opportunity Center

Meeting Facilities

Section 3 Local Hiring Compliance

Smooth Power

Utility Infrastructure Loan