LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Small Business and Financial Empowerment Summit drew more than 1,000 people to BMO Stadium in Exposition Park on Saturday to help promote economic growth within the city by equipping business owners and entrepreneurs with valuable information, resources, insights into government contracting and tools to enhance their financial health.
Mayor Karen Bass participated in a fireside chat at the Summit alongside entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross and BMO Vice Chair Eric Smith. The Summit included a robust agenda of six panel discussions with experts in procurement, finance, infrastructure and economic development, a resource expo with more than 60 providers and networking opportunities.
“If we want to address the big divide between the rich and the poor, we need our business sector to thrive,” said Mayor Karen Bass during the Los Angeles Small Business and Financial Empowerment Summit last Saturday. “We have international events coming up that will be opportunities for entrepreneurs, and we want to make sure that those opportunities are available to our communities and that the process is open and transparent.”
Mayor Karen Bass’ Deputy Mayor for Business and Economic Development Rachel Freeman opened the event and welcomed attendees to the Summit. Deputy Mayor for International Affairs Erin Bromaghim spoke on a panel about procurement opportunities for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
“We want to thank all the community groups that invested their time at the Los Angeles Business and Financial Empowerment Summit in partnership with the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office to help promote economic growth within the City by equipping business owners and entrepreneurs with information, resources and tools that help them make real financial progress,” said Eric Smith, Vice Chair, BMO. “BMO is committed to the real financial progress of our community in L.A., in part, through our support of small businesses growth, affordable housing and economic development, as well as philanthropic giving. Our $16 billion dollar commitment to strengthen California local communities aligns with BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future and inclusive society.
The Mayor’s Office of Business and Economic Development partnered with BMO, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, the Bureau of Contract Administration, the Economic and Workforce Development Department and Accessing L.A. to deliver the Summit.