| Los Angeles, CA — Today, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced the launch and open enrollment for the Los Angeles County Financial Clinic, a new, no-cost program designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses strengthen their financial health, pursue pathways to capital, reduce debt, improve credit, and build long-term financial resilience. This program is the newest in a series of technical assistance programs and services now available through DEO and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), including Marketing Lab that additionally strengthens small business’ digital marketing impact.
Small businesses are the backbone of Los Angeles County’s economy, driving job creation, innovation, and community wealth. Yet many continue to face mounting economic pressures—from inflation and rising operating costs to declining revenue and increasing debt. These challenges can hinder growth and long-term stability, especially for businesses with limited access to financial education, credit‑building resources, and capital readiness support.
To address these challenges, the LA County Financial Clinic will help small businesses strengthen financial resilience through individualized coaching, financial education, capital readiness assistance, and debt management support. Program components include financial assessments, educational workshops, and in-depth one-on-one counseling. The program is delivered by DEO’s Office of Small Business and regional partners as part of the Economic Mobility Initiative, launched by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and the LA County Board of Supervisors in 2024.
“As small businesses continue to navigate economic challenges and barriers to growth, Los Angeles County is committed to ensuring entrepreneurs have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “I was proud to help establish the Economic Mobility Initiative, which has connected small businesses in underserved communities with technical assistance and resources to strengthen their operations, improve financial resilience, and pursue new opportunities. These new programs build on that foundation by providing tailored support to help entrepreneurs compete, expand their businesses, and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive economy across Los Angeles County.”
"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. These programs are that commitment in action, delivering hands-on support and real pathways to capital, critical guidance, and financial stability. Our small businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods, and when they thrive, so do the communities they serve," shared Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.
“Access to capital is one of the most significant barriers small businesses face, especially in today’s economic climate,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director, LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “The LA County Financial Clinic and Marketing Lab programs are essential to ensuring entrepreneurs have the tools, guidance, and pathways they need to secure funding, increase cash flow, strengthen their financial foundation, and ultimately thrive and grow. When we help small businesses access capital, we’re not just supporting individual entrepreneurs — we’re investing in the long-term economic vitality of communities across Los Angeles County.”
LA County Financial Clinic services are delivered by Managed Career Solutions (MCS) and Money Management International (MMI). MCS services include one-on-one technical assistance, financial literacy workshops, profitability and financial assessments, budgeting, cash‑flow management, financial planning, and capital readiness coaching. MMI’s services include debt counseling, money‑management support, budget counseling, credit review, debt‑management planning, and financial stabilization services. Together, these services help participating businesses improve financial management, reduce debt-related barriers, improve cash flow, prepare to access capital, and strengthen overall financial health.
"MCS looks forward to empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, coaching, and resources needed to strengthen their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to a more resilient local economy. Together, we are committed to advancing equitable economic opportunity and fostering long-term prosperity for communities throughout Los Angeles County alongside DEO,” said Dr. Philip Starr, MCS Executive Director.
"For more than 60 years, Money Management International (MMI) – formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Los Angeles – has been proud to serve Southern California communities through trusted financial counseling and education,” said Tom De Poy, SVP of Industry Relations at MMI. “We're honored to continue that legacy by partnering with the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity to help local small businesses strengthen their financial foundation, navigate debt challenges, and build the resilience needed to grow. When entrepreneurs have access to personalized guidance and practical financial tools, they're better positioned to create lasting success for themselves, their employees, families, and communities they serve."
The LA County Financial Clinic joins another program launched this month ‒ Shop Local Marketing Lab, which helps small businesses strengthen their marketing strategies and reach more customers in an increasingly digital marketplace. The six‑week virtual program offers both basic and advanced learning tracks and includes weekly interactive workshops, one-on-one office hours, a library of on-demand educational videos, and customized Marketing Plans for participating businesses. The program is delivered by the Braven Agency as part of the Shop Local LA County campaign, which connects consumers to local small businesses. Cohorts are now underway, and limited space is still available. Learn more by visiting shoplocal.la/marketing-lab.
Both programs are made possible by a grant provided by CalOSBA Technical Assistance Program (TAP) and together will seek to serve a minimum of 200 businesses. To be eligible, businesses must be located in Los Angeles County and have 100 or fewer employees and $19 million or less in annual revenue, consistent with California Department of General Services (DGS) small business standards.
To enroll in the Financial Clinic and learn more, please visit: emi.lacounty.gov/FinancialClinic/. All programs are open through at least end of September 2026.
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About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, LA County Film Office, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services. |
