Small Business

Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity’s Shop Local Business Lab Series is an interactive experience where small business owners and entrepreneurs can engage in workshops led by subject matter experts to develop strategies and skills that advance their growth and competitiveness. Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or ready to automate and scale, this lab will equip you with the tools and network needed to innovate with confidence.

Participants will come away with information and resources on the following:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Introduction to practical AI applications, including effective interaction with AI tools, streamlining tasks, reducing operational costs, and using AI for business analysis (led by Microsoft)

• Marketing – Digital marketing fundamentals, social media ads, SEO, and website optimization (led by Google or Braven)

• Contracting – How to register and certify your business, find government contracts, and build a strong Statement of Qualifications (led by DEO)

• Technology Tools – Tools to improve operations, efficiency, and customer access (led by Square)

• Legal Aid – Connects businesses with legal guidance on contracts, business protection, relevant policies related to operating a business online, and key legal actions and resources available (led by Bet Tzedek)

Event Date:

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Long Beach Accelerator, 245 E. 3rd Street, Long Beach, CA 90802 (Skipper Conference Room – Main Event Room)

Space is limited. Register now at bit.ly/DEOBizLabs.

For more information about the Shop Local Business Labs Series and upcoming events, visit here.

If you have any questions, contact osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov.

Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity’s Shop Local Business Lab Series is an interactive experience where small business owners and entrepreneurs can engage in workshops led by subject matter experts to develop strategies and skills that advance their growth and competitiveness. Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or ready to automate and scale, this lab will equip you with the tools and network needed to innovate with confidence.

Participants will come away with information and resources on the following:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Introduction to practical AI applications, including effective interaction with AI tools, streamlining tasks, reducing operational costs, and using AI for business analysis (led by Microsoft)
• Marketing – Digital marketing fundamentals, social media ads, SEO, and website optimization (led by Google or Braven)
• Contracting – How to register and certify your business, find government contracts, and build a strong Statement of Qualifications (led by DEO)
• Technology Tools – Tools to improve operations, efficiency, and customer access (led by Square)
• Legal Aid – Connects businesses with legal guidance on contracts, business protection, relevant policies related to operating a business online, and key legal actions and resources available (led by Bet Tzedek)

Event Date:
Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
The Salvation Army Siemon Family Youth & Community Center, 7651 S. Central Ave Los Angeles, CA 90001

Space is limited. Register now at bit.ly/DEOBizLabs.

For more information about the Shop Local Business Labs Series and upcoming events, visit here.

If you have any questions, contact osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov.

Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity’s Shop Local Business Lab Series is an interactive experience where small business owners and entrepreneurs can engage in workshops led by subject matter experts to develop strategies and skills that advance their growth and competitiveness. Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or ready to automate and scale, this lab will equip you with the tools and network needed to innovate with confidence.

 Topics covered include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Introduction to practical AI applications, including effective interaction with AI tools, streamlining tasks, reducing operational costs, and using AI for business analysis. (led by Microsoft)
• Marketing – Digital marketing fundamentals, social media ads, SEO, and website optimization (led by Google or Braven)
• Contracting – How to register and certify your business, find government contracts, and build a strong Statement of Qualifications (led by DEO)
• Technology Tools – Tools to improve operations, efficiency, and customer access (led by Square)
• Legal Aid – Connects businesses with legal guidance on contracts, business protection, relevant policies related to operating a business online, and key legal actions and resources available (led by Bet Tzedek)

Event Date:

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
East San Gabriel Valley
America’s Job Center of California (AJCC)
14101 Nelson Ave E, La Puente, CA 91746

 Space is limited. Register now at https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/registration-form/

 For more information about the Shop Local Business Lab Series and upcoming events, visit here. (https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/shoplocallabsseries/)

If you have any questions, contact osb@oppotunity.lacounty.gov.

Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity’s Shop Local Business Lab Series is an interactive experience where small business owners and entrepreneurs can engage in workshops led by subject matter experts to develop strategies and skills that advance their growth and competitiveness. Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or ready to automate and scale, this lab will equip you with the tools and network needed to innovate with confidence.

Participants will come away with information and resources on the following:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Introduction to practical AI applications, including effective interaction with AI tools, streamlining tasks, reducing operational costs, and using AI for business analysis (led by Microsoft)
• Marketing – Digital marketing fundamentals, social media ads, SEO, and website optimization (led by Google or Braven)
• Contracting – How to register and certify your business, find government contracts, and build a strong Statement of Qualifications (led by DEO)
• Technology Tools – Tools to improve operations, efficiency, and customer access (led by Square)
• Legal Aid – Connects businesses with legal guidance on contracts, business protection, relevant policies related to operating a business online, and key legal actions and resources available (led by Bet Tzedek)

Event Date:
Friday, February 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Community Coalition, 8101 S. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044

Space is limited. Register now at bit.ly/DEOBizLabs.

For more information about the Shop Local Business Labs Series and upcoming events, visit here.

If you have any questions, contact osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov.