Small
Business
Connecting you and your small business to opportunities and resources
Compete4LA is L.A. County’s largest database of small businesses. It is a resource for public agencies, contractors, and other organizations looking to support the local economy.
If you’re a small business with under $5 million in annual sales, you can:
Unlock New Contracting Opportunities
Get Connected to a Business Mentor
If you’re interested in receiving business mentorship, please reach out to the LA Business Council at [email protected] to learn more.
Local Business Spotlight
DirectedLINK, LLC, is a leading business workforce advisory firm that delivers strategic workforce solutions nationwide across a range of industries. DirectedLINK helps clients optimize their workforce through services that include Staff Augmentation, Contingency Staffing, Interim Solutions, Public Accounting, and Managed Services, enabling companies to attract, retain, and engage the right talent to meet evolving business needs.
DirectedLINK has been a proud member of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission Business Connect Program and Los Angeles Tourism since 2020 supporting global events across the county.
Are you interested in having your small business showcased on Compete4LA? Contact Randal at [email protected]
Compete4LA has extensive partnerships with leading organizations around the region who provide resources to businesses including certification services, mentorship opportunities, financial capital, and networking opportunities. See our list of curated resources below.
Not sure where to turn? Contact us to be connected to the right resource.
A Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) program that supports diverse small businesses. Provides a network of non-profit lenders, education providers, and business-to-business market makers to connect entrepreneurs with capital to support growth and development. 2025 Ascend is currently closed, and there is no live website for 2026 currently.
Accion is a national nonprofit small business lender providing access to loans, educational resources, business advising, and a support network geared towards long-term success. Customizable loan amounts ranging from $5,000-$250,000 with adaptable repayment terms. Also provide, SBA 7 (a) Loans ranging from $100,000-$350,000 on a 10-year term.
CDC Loans is a nonprofit providing loans to small businesses and commercial real estate. Loans provided through Momentus Capital which brings together organizations rooted in social mission to provide a continuum of financial, social, and knowledge capital.
The EWDD is the city’s department focused on helping economic and workforce development. The EWDD provides job loss assistance, small business loans through the JEDI ZONE Microloan Program, and inclusive contracting opportunities through short-term loans.
A program housed by the EWDD, LA Optimized is designed to provide digital marketing resources to businesses in the City. LA Optimized assists in website creation and optimization, social media and e-newsletters, and coaching and training for how to develop a business. Additionally, the site hosts a variety of resource pages.
An online platform for Southern California businesses to find and bid on public and private sector contracts. RAMP provides a centralized location for the City of LA, other agencies, and major corporations to put out Request for Proposals.
Qualified businesses receive free digital marketing services, access to marketing and financial experts, technical assistance training, and funding options. Targeted towards businesses in Southern California with revenue <2.5 million/annually.
Helps local entrepreneurs, especially women and minority-owned small businesses connect with funding, coaching, and networking opportunities. Additionally, there website houses a comprehensive list of resources, incubators, mentorship groups, trusted lenders, and more.
Provides educational courses in training and development, local government business development coaching, and business certification. Offers tailored services and programs for SCORE LA.
DEO is the primary County agency promoting economic growth, job creation, workforce development, and economic resilience in Los Angeles County. DEO facilitates access to capital and business development services through free advising and partnerships with banks and grant programs. DEO guides businesses through County departments to help businesses use the resources available effectively.
Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission’s (LASEC) Business Connect program works to match local businesses with opportunities available through the premiere sports and entertainment events hosted in Los Angeles. The Business Connect’s goal is to create opportunities for underrepresented companies by connecting them within LASEC’s network of major event stakeholders and positioning them to successfully compete for contracts.
Maintain a transparent and consistent contracting environment that delivers quality work in compliance with governing laws while encouraging an environment that promotes personal and business opportunity. Contracting opportunities for Debris Clean-Up and access to licensed contractors and architects to support the rebuilding efforts in the Pacific Palisades.
Focused on small business development by providing one-on-one advising and training. Targeted towards for-profit businesses with <500 employees in the SoCal region. Connects clients to local business networks, economic development programs and additional grant and local financing opportunities. LA SBDC hosts a list of comprehensive resources in Business Planning, Marketing, Finance, HR/legal, State, Federal, Government Contracting, SBA. Web, Operations, International Trade, and Accounting.
Provide comprehensive community development services to promote sustainable economic mobility in Los Angeles’ low-income and underserved communities. PACE’s Business Development Center hosts business and loan advisers to provide businesses financial assistance. The Center also provides government contracting and procurement opportunities with both public agencies and private companies.
A free bilingual resource hub connecting small business owners to tools and information to sustain and grow their business. Helps business make informed financing decisions related to loans and workplace benefits. Venturize is not a lender but can help businesses get loan ready and explain information businesses may need in the lending process.
AmPac Business Capital is a mission-driven lender dedicated to advancing entrepreneurial dreams through access to capital and resources that foster long-term business success. AmPac provides tailored financing solutions and support through its Community Lending Programs, SBA 504 loans, and Entrepreneur Ecosystem—guiding businesses from cradle to legacy.