LOS ANGELES – Here’s what Los Angeles Business Leaders and Small Business Owners are saying about Mayor Bass’ Executive Directive 4 to identify barriers to small business creation, development and growth.
Sonya Blake, President & CEO, The Valley Economic Alliance: “Mayor Bass’ taking this action is the direction we like to see our cities going. Reducing burdensome business fees, taxes, and regulations while protecting residents, workers, and our environment stands to strengthen our local small businesses and boost our regional economy.”
Tracy Hernandez, Founding CEO, BizFed: “We’re particularly pleased with Mayor Bass’s leadership on the job creation front because her plan directly addresses small business concerns that our recent polling shows have pushed employers out of California. This executive directive is an investment in the city’s homegrown talent and a roadmap to create better conditions for success.”
Mary Leslie, President, Los Angeles Business Council: “We strongly support the Mayor for taking an expansive and cross-departmental approach to creating strong policies that support small businesses, and in turn, increase investment in diverse communities throughout the city.
Dominic Ng, Chairman and CEO of East West Bank: “This Executive Directive by the Mayor provides the support that small businesses need to thrive and create jobs. Through her leadership and focus, Mayor Bass continues to move the City of Los Angeles forward.”
Maria S. Salinas, President & CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce: “We applaud Mayor Bass for prioritizing the health of our small businesses and entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Los Angeles with Executive Directive No. 4, Identifying Barriers to Small Business Growth. Mayor Bass understands the importance of the small business economy to grow and create jobs in the City of Los Angeles. This approach by the Mayor will help to reinforce the region’s competitiveness, as well as provide the infrastructure to attract new firms while lowering the barriers to entrepreneurship for homegrown talent.”
Darrel Sauceda, Chairman, Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce: "As chairman of the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce I am here today representing over 1,300 active small business members and 14,000 business subscribers. The signing of this small business directive is an important commitment by our Mayor Karen Bass. We are ready to work closely and engage our minority small businesses in partnership with the City of LA to bring it back by building it up.”
Mika Scott, Physician Assistant & Owner of KIN: “I know that people who are dreaming about starting their own businesses, just like me, will benefit from the action taken today. Fewer hoops to jump through and assistance instead of obstruction will mean more small businesses open in our vibrant city. It’s time for the City to take a proactive approach to look out for business owners and I am thrilled to support the Mayor as she signs this important executive directive.”
Brian Veskosky, Co-Owner of Red Maple: “Opening a business in LA was a priority for us, so when my business partner and I found a space in Toluca Lake, we were ecstatic. I want to see other businesses like ours thrive, despite rules and regulations that oftentimes make it hard for our small businesses to flourish. I cannot thank Mayor Bass enough for her dedication to this issue, and for helping lift up our business community, both large and small. I know that with this new Executive Directive, we will be able to make it easier and more accessible for businesses to open up and stay in Los Angeles.”
John Wolfe, Co-Owner of Carney’s: “My brother Bill and I are third generation Angelenos, carrying on our parents’ legacy. Our parents opened Carneys in the 1970s, and we took over only a few decades later. Bill and I are so grateful to see small businesses like ours being prioritized by Mayor Bass. Without the City as our partner, businesses like Carneys couldn’t continue to thrive. Now, we can be sure that we have an ally in our Mayor and look forward to having the Executive Directive to guide us through this process.”