On Nov. 15, the city of Los Angeles held a commencement ceremony to celebrate the culmination of the 2019 L.A Small Business Academy.

Made possible through a collaborative effort by the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports, the seven-week program provided guidance to small business owners interested in doing business and contracting with the city.

“The L.A. Small Business Academy is one of the many city initiatives intended to create an equal playing field for small businesses,” said Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioner Mike Davis. “It’s an honor to work alongside our partners at the Department of Water and Power, the Port of L.A. and Los Angeles World Airports to encourage and empower the hardworking entrepreneurs who have completed the program.”

The commencement ceremony was held at the John Ferraro Building in downtown Los Angeles. Board of Public Works Commissioner Jessica Caloza, Board of Water and Power Commissioner Susana Reyes, Los Angeles City Chief Procurement Officer Shannon Hoppes and John L. Reamer, Jr., Inspector of public works and interim general manager of the Economic and Workforce Development Department, addressed the 26 graduates.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners in the construction industry were invited to participate in academy to gain insight on doing business with the city, construction services, procurement projects, contract compliance and major departmental initiatives.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our economy, and the L.A. Small Business Academy provides them with the resources and support to see their goals realized,” Caloza said. “I’m proud of the leadership of the Bureau of Contract Administration and all of our partners that bring this program to life. Our goal is simple, we want to ensure that small businesses are met with opportunities and not obstacles.”

The Bureau of Contract Administration is one of the lead agencies responsible for bringing resources and opportunities to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. For information, visit bpw.lacity.org.