Unlocking LA County’s economic opportunity and potential for
job seekers and businesses.
DEO works to unlock LA County’s economic potential and build thriving, inclusive local communities.
Whether you’re looking to start a new career or grow a small business, we got you covered! The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is LA County’s central economic and workforce development hub helping residents connect to new career pathways, start and certify a business, and access life-changing opportunities.
We’re working to advance equity and inclusive, sustainable growth through all DEO programs and services by targeting economic benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalized communities, small businesses and residents in LA County.
Team DEO can help you:
Apply to the Business Interruption Fund
Apply for grant opportunities including the newly launched Business Interruption Fund through the County’s Film Office offering $4.1 million in relief to small and micro businesses affected by both Covid-19 and the 2023 Hollywood Double Strikes.
Grow Your Business with the Economic Mobility Initiative
Empower your small business or non-profit by accessing tailored support that helps you thrive and build generational wealth in our communities through DEO’s new Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI). Access no cost support today!
Connect to Rapid Response for Individuals and Businesses
Connect to immediate aid and support to help through the painful transitions associated with job loss through DEO’s Rapid Response services for both individuals and businesses facing layoffs or closures.
Attend the Small Business Summit Series!
Discover a trove of FREE resources, services, and programs aimed at helping your business grown and thrive! Join Team DEO and partners for the five part LA Region Small Business Summit series. Coming up: May 9th at Mission College.
Acquire Vacant Property via Commercial Acquisition Fund
If you are a non-profit organization in LA County looking to acquire a vacant or abandoned building, Team DEO can connect you to recoverable grants ranging between $500k to $2M through the Commercial Acquisition Fund!
Sign Up for the Next Careers for a Cause Cohort
Through Careers for a Cause, individuals with first hand experience with homelessness can connect to an 8 week pre-employment training opportunity and supportive services including case management! Connect to an upcoming cohort!
Build Back Better.
DEO is committed to helping communities & businesses build back better by deploying more than $156 million in economic and workforce development programing through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Small Business corner
Supporting Sidewalk Vendors
With support from local and regional partners, we’re here to help sidewalk vendors start up and thrive in our growing open-air economy, while also ensuring safe and healthy communities through compliant sidewalk vending operations.
Shop Local LA County
Neighbors, family members, and friends are the faces behind our most cherished small businesses! To share the love back, Team DEO kick started Shop Local LA County to support mom & pop stores and strengthen the bonds that connect our communities.
Mentor. Train. Hire. Elevate!
Businesses in LA County can boost their workforce and create new career pathways for youth through Youth @ Work Elevate!
100% of the internship will be covered for up to 400 hours. Partner with Team DEO and get matched with a highly-motivated youth intern!
DEO Newsroom
LA County Invests $25M to Support Small Businesses and Strengthen Communities Through the New Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI)
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in partnership with 15 local community-based organizations, launched the Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI), a $25 million investment aiming to support the startup and growth of local entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofits.
$4.1 Million Grant Program Now Available for Small and Micro Businesses in LA County Affected by COVID-19 and 2023 Hollywood Double Strikes
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the County Film Office, in partnership with Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Chair Lindsey P. Horvath and Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, unveiled a new $4.1 million grant program to provide relief to small and micro businesses affected by both COVID-19 and the 2023 Hollywood Double Strikes.
LA County Mobilizes Regional Partners and Resources for Workers Impacted by the Closures of 99 Cents Only Stores Countywide
The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and its regional partners held the first of several upcoming rapid response events to urgently connect soon-to-be laid off local workers, impacted by the recent bankruptcy and closure of dozens of local 99 Cents Only Stores, to critical workforce services.
LA County Launches 2-Year Assistant Teacher Apprenticeship Program Providing Free Education and Training to Workers Seeking Early Childhood Education Jobs
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) in partnership with Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell of the Second District kicked off the County’s 2-year Early Care and Education Assistant Teacher Apprenticeship Program providing free community college education and on-the job site-based training for workers interested in teaching and childcare career pathways.