To bolster the local small business landscape, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has unveiled the Business Navigator, an online tool designed to streamline the process for entrepreneurs looking to snag permits, resources, and a slice of procurement action. Launched at business.lacity.gov, the hub made its debut during the 2025 ProcureLA Summit, as reported here, a gathering that saw over 300 attendees from various small businesses set their eyes on billions in potential contracts with LA City Departments.
The summit, taking place at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Koreatown, worked hand in glove with the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) and served up interactive sessions to aid businesses in navigating the City's procurement processes. In Koreatown, the summit connected hundreds of local and diverse suppliers with over 30 government agencies and prime contractors. Additionally, Mayor Bass' efforts have been focused on making Los Angeles a more film-friendly location for studios and producers, a sentiment echoed in this morning's summit.
The mayor's message is clear: Los Angeles is driving toward a future that leans on the ingenuity and contributions of its local small businesses. "Los Angeles is building the future, and we’re making sure small businesses help lead the way," Mayor Bass stated in a press gathering. "This summit breaks down barriers, creates access, and sends a clear message: we are investing in local talent to deliver real results for our communities." Meanwhile, the summit strengthened engagement with live panel discussions and hands-on workshops in the critical areas of bid preparation, compliance, and contracting strategy.
As part of the Mayor's Office of Business and Economic Development, the ProcureLA Program was hatched in October 2024 with an eye on equipping local businesses to compete for City contracts, particularly ahead of the global spectacles set for 2026 and 2028. According to PACE President and CEO Kerry Doi, "ProcureLA is about equity, access and action." Doi added, "We’re proud to work alongside Mayor Bass to connect small and minority-owned businesses with real procurement opportunities that will help them grow, hire, and contribute meaningfully to the fabric of Los Angeles — especially as we prepare for the 2026 and 2028 global events." On the administrative front, Mayor Bass has notched a win with securing over $18 million since passing Executive Directive 4 to support the growth of small businesses across the city.
Last month's celebration of significant LAX investments highlighted 13 local small businesses stepping up as first-time prime contractors via the $5 billion Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC). This move is part of a broader initiative by Mayor Bass to make government more efficient and drive maximum local benefit, a point she spotlighted in her State of the City address. As the spotlight continues to shine on Los Angeles' preparation for imminent world class events like the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, small, local, and minority-owned businesses are finding themselves at the forefront, fueled by the city's concerted push for inclusivity and growth.
