In a significant stride toward fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass proudly unveiled the city's first graduating class of LApreneur, a pioneering program designed to empower local business owners and entrepreneurs with essential skills for success. The ceremony, held at City Hall, marked a key milestone in the city's efforts to support its small business community.
As LApreneur proudly sends off nearly 100 graduates, the picture of an up-and-coming business landscape in Los Angeles becomes clearer. "I want to congratulate the nearly 100 business owners and entrepreneurs who graduated for taking these important next steps to further your business journey in Los Angeles," Mayor Bass articulated during the graduation, as per the Mayor's Office. LApreneur, launched in May 2023 as part of Executive Directive 4, signifies Bass's commitment to a city hall that aids, not obstructs, business development.
The LApreneur program, as conceived by the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Business and Economic Development and the Economic & Workforce Development Department, serves as a multifaceted educational resource. It's a synergy between the city, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, BusinessSource Centers, and Loyola Marymount University – a collaboration that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical business acumen.
Bass's resolve to bolster small businesses is evidenced by successful strides after the enactment of Executive Directive 4. Mayor Bass's administration has been instrumental in helping hundreds of small businesses secure upwards of $18 million in funding, essential for their inception or expansion. Furthermore, the Mayor's Office has streamlined the permitting process, favoring quicker business mobilization and growth, establishing a more conducive environment for commerce within the metropolis.