LA County Launches Small Business Assistance Programs
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Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched two no-cost technical assistance programs—the Financial Clinic and Marketing Lab+—to support over 200 small businesses in improving financial health, accessing capital, and enhancing digital marketing capabilities. Funded by a California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) grant and part of the Economic Mobility Initiative, these programs provide personalized coaching, workshops, and resources through September 2026 to strengthen small business resilience and competitiveness.
These initiatives represent a strategic investment by LA County to bolster small business financial stability and market presence, which may influence future procurement and contracting opportunities within the region.
Procurement professionals should note the involvement of service providers such as Managed Career Solutions, Money Management International, and Braven Agency, indicating potential partnership or subcontracting opportunities.
The programs emphasize digital marketing and financial management, signaling growing demand for expertise in these areas among government-supported small business initiatives.
Organizations interested in supporting or collaborating with LA County small business programs can contact the DEO via press@opportunity.lacounty.gov for further engagement or information.
When I introduced the motion to create the Economic Mobility Initiative, the goal was simple: ensure that every entrepreneur in LA County, regardless of zip code or banking relationship, has the tools, capital, and connections to grow.
— Holly J. Mitchell, Second District Supervisor
Agencies
Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, California Office of the Small Business Advocate, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Vendors
Managed Career Solutions, Money Management International, Braven Agency
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Contracting Vehicles
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Grants & Funding
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Construction & Infrastructure
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Professional Services
The City of Homestead held a special magistrate meeting on September 4, 2026, which included extensive discussions on various procurement and contracting matters. Key procurement actions included the approval of multiple insurance contract renewals with significant premium reductions, awarding contracts for street resurfacing to H&R Paving Inc. and National Traffic Solutions, and purchasing sequencing batch reactor decanters for the wastewater treatment facility from Flowine Corp. for $434,800. The council also approved the ranking and negotiation with Waste Management, Inc. for recycling services and renewed a purchase power agreement with Florida Power and Light Company. Additionally, the council authorized a software-as-a-service contract with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for recreation management software. Policy discussions included the appointment and deferral of special magistrates, with debate over transitioning from volunteer special masters to attorney-style magistrates. The council also deliberated on a public-private partnership proposal for Harris Field redevelopment involving SPH, with concerns about the 30-year term and community impact, leading to plans for further workshops. Other notable items included budget amendments, zoning ordinance updates, and a proclamation of National Procurement Month. The meeting featured public comments on community events, code enforcement, and utility services, reflecting active civic engagement.
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Physical Infrastructure
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Construction & Infrastructure
The City of Kerrville Planning and Zoning meeting held on September 3, 2026, primarily focused on the approval of a conditional use permit for a new convenience store with fuel sales near the Whiskey Springs development. The applicant, Brian Dalash of Texan Stores, presented the project, emphasizing the company's commitment to quality and community integration. Staff reviewed zoning compliance, supplementary requirements for fuel stations, and recommended conditions including no expansion of parking areas and potential vegetative screening if noise complaints arise. The council discussed environmental safeguards related to fuel storage and the economic impact, with estimated property values between $7 and $10 million and anticipated sales tax revenue. The permit was approved with conditions, signaling support for the project as a positive economic addition to Kerrville. No other procurement or contracting actions were noted.
The Richland County Ohio Board of Commissioners held a meeting on September 3, 2026, during which they approved several procurement-related items including requisitions, weekly transfers, additional appropriation requests, and travel requests for the Commissioner's office. They also certified monthly delinquent sewer bills and approved a resolution accepting amounts and rates for tax levies. The meeting included motions and votes on these financial and budgetary matters, reflecting routine county fiscal management and procurement activities. No specific vendor names or contract awards were mentioned in the transcript.
The TCAPS Board of Education Finance Committee met on September 3, 2026, to discuss various finance and operations matters related to the school district. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the proposed upgrade of the Central Grade HVAC system to a hybrid heat pump system, including fundraising efforts, grant applications, and the recommendation to authorize the completion of the contract once sufficient funds are raised. The committee also discussed establishing a sustainability fund from energy savings to support ongoing environmental initiatives. Additionally, updates were provided on capital projects such as school renovations, fire alarm replacements, and elevator upgrades, with attention to contract evaluations and procurement timelines. The committee approved moving the HVAC upgrade recommendation to the full board for consideration and reviewed recent district purchases and contractor issues affecting ongoing projects.
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Regulatory Compliance
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Policy
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Public Safety
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Professional Services
This Greene County, Missouri meeting featured an overview presentation by Maggie Rollwagen, Director of Abilities First, focusing on programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The discussion highlighted the county's Senate Bill 40 levy, which funds employment, residential, vocational, and therapeutic services, and described state-contracted programs such as Missouri First Step and targeted case management. The presentation emphasized community education efforts, accessibility improvements, and inclusion initiatives to support people with disabilities in public services and workplaces. While the meeting did not include specific procurement actions or contract awards, it addressed potential partnership opportunities and the importance of accessible public infrastructure and communication, which could influence future procurement and service delivery strategies in Greene County.
The DeSoto County Schools Board of Education held a regular meeting on September 3, 2026. The board approved the meeting agenda, previous meeting minutes, and the consent agenda. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of personnel matters such as hiring two power professionals for high school soccer coaching, licensing recommendations for teachers, and authorization of additional pay for four employees to provide after-school tutoring totaling 2,000 hours at $30 per hour. No new contracts, RFPs, or capital projects were discussed. The meeting also included a public comment session and concluded with a motion to recess until September 17, 2026.
The TCAPS Board of Education Executive Committee met on September 3, 2026, primarily discussing upcoming board meeting agendas, committee reports, and staffing updates. A significant procurement-related topic was the approval of alternate HVAC bids for Central Grade School, with contracts recommended for Johnny Green Company ($529,000) and Shoreline Power ($39,690), totaling $568,690. The board authorized the superintendent to continue fundraising and grant efforts to fully finance the HVAC project, with a potential future allocation of energy savings to support districtwide sustainability initiatives. Other discussions included capital projects planning related to the 2024 bond, staffing challenges particularly in early childhood education, and procedural matters such as swearing in a new board member and setting voting delegates for the MASB assembly. The meeting concluded with approval of the agendas for upcoming meetings and adjournment.
The Lammersville Governing Board held a meeting on September 2, 2026, which included presentations from students highlighting academic achievements and school culture. The board approved several procurement-related items, including a contract with Pointquest Group Incorporated for specialized academic instruction and services for a student with special needs, totaling $114,900. They also approved the renewal of a three-year contract with Character Strong for social emotional learning curriculum for grades K-8, with a total cost of $52,776. Additionally, the board passed resolutions regarding the sufficiency of textbooks and instructional materials and the annual certification of independent study for the 2026-2027 school year. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss public employee matters and real property negotiations.
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Physical Infrastructure
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The County of Maui held the Lahaina Community Monthly Disaster Recovery Meeting on September 2, 2026, focusing on ongoing recovery efforts following recent disasters. Key procurement-related discussions included the Hawaiian Council's $8 million Udule Marketplace project, aimed at revitalizing Lahaina's business district by providing subsidized retail spaces for local vendors, with vendor lease applications opening mid-September and units expected to arrive by mid-October. The Department of Environmental Management announced a $3.6 million EPA Swiffer Grant-funded project to acquire land in West Maui for a new recycling center to reduce illegal dumping. Updates were also provided on the transition of FEMA housing programs to county management, including the transfer of 143 units and plans for stable temporary housing. Additionally, the meeting addressed permitting progress for commercial properties in the historic district, with several permits approved or under review, and discussed the wildfire risk reduction program involving county-owned parcels in West Maui. Public concerns about mail delivery service and transportation were raised, with county officials encouraging community feedback. The meeting also highlighted upcoming grant application deadlines for economic revitalization and public services programs, with funding ranging from $2 million to $7.5 million. Overall, the meeting emphasized procurement and program implementation efforts to support Lahaina's recovery and economic revitalization.
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Physical Infrastructure
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Energy & Utilities
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on September 3, 2026, where several procurement and development-related matters were discussed. Key agenda items included approval of a lease agreement with California Internet LLC for equipment placement at the Pine Grove site, and authorization of an agreement with Sierra Controls not to exceed $160,216.25 to upgrade the Silver Springs wastewater treatment plant's SCADA system, which was expedited due to recent lightning damage. The board also approved an amendment to reduce the western setback for the Winston Energy Project's solar arrays along US Highway 95A from 1,980 feet to 1,320 feet to accommodate an easement for the Monarch Data Center, facilitating infrastructure alignment and reducing visual impact. This amendment passed with a 4-1 vote. Additionally, the board accepted a $120,386.50 grant from the Nevada Health Authority for the FY27 Exchange Enrollment Facilitators Program to assist residents potentially losing Medicaid coverage. Public comments raised concerns about traffic impact reports, environmental effects of solar projects, and adherence to previously established ordinances. The commissioners acknowledged these concerns and emphasized that decisions were based on updated information and planning considerations.