Economic & Workforce Development Department
About
The Economic & Workforce Development Department in Los Angeles, CA is an SBA Resource Center dedicated to supporting small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout Los Angeles County. As a comprehensive Small Business Development Center (SBDC), this resource center provides expert guidance, training, and mentoring to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses. The center offers free, confidential consulting services from experienced business advisors who specialize in business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, loan preparation, and operational excellence. The Los Angeles SBDC connects entrepreneurs with critical resources including access to funding opportunities, government contracting assistance, international trade support, and specialized workshops on topics ranging from digital marketing to financial forecasting. Whether you're launching your first venture or expanding an established business, this center serves as a vital partner in your entrepreneurial journey. The center also coordinates with local partners to address workforce development needs, ensuring that growing businesses can access talent development resources. With deep roots in the Los Angeles business community, the Economic & Workforce Development Department understands the unique challenges facing entrepreneurs in this dynamic market and provides tailored support to help overcome barriers to success.
Services Offered
Program Type
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Cost
Free
Services
Free one-on-one business counseling, business plan development, financial analysis, loan preparation assistance, marketing strategy, government contracting support, workshop training, funding resource referrals, international trade guidance
Best For
Aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, growing small businesses, minority-owned enterprises, immigrant business owners, and established businesses seeking expansion strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Economic & Workforce Development Department provide?
The Economic & Workforce Development Department offers a comprehensive range of free services including one-on-one business counseling, business plan development and review, financial statement analysis, market research assistance, loan preparation support, marketing strategy guidance, and access to funding resources. They also provide workshops and training sessions on critical business topics such as financial management, digital marketing, business planning, and government contracting. Additionally, as an SBDC, they connect entrepreneurs with specialized resources for international trade, supply chain management, and technology adoption.
Is Economic & Workforce Development Department free to use?
Yes, all services provided by the Economic & Workforce Development Department are completely free. As an SBA-funded Small Business Development Center, the organization is committed to providing no-cost expert consulting and business advisory services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. This includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, business workshops, and resource referrals. The only costs you may incur are optional fees for specialized training programs or third-party services they may recommend.
Who can use Economic & Workforce Development Department?
The center serves a wide range of entrepreneurs and business owners, including prospective business owners developing their first venture, existing small business owners seeking to grow or improve operations, minority-owned businesses, immigrant entrepreneurs, and businesses at all stages of development. There are no income restrictions or business size limitations. Whether you operate a sole proprietorship, partnership, or small corporation, and regardless of your industry, you can access the center's free resources and expert guidance.
How do I get started with Economic & Workforce Development Department?
Getting started is simple and free. Contact the Economic & Workforce Development Department directly by phone or visit their office in Los Angeles to schedule an initial consultation with a business advisor. You can also inquire about upcoming workshops and training sessions. During your first meeting, discuss your business goals and challenges, and your advisor will develop a personalized action plan to address your specific needs. There's no application process or fees involved—just reach out and begin your journey toward business success today.
Last updated: March 17, 2026