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For Immediate Release
May 08, 2025
Contact:
Angela Herrera Perez, Senior Public Information Specialist
press@opportunity.lacounty.gov
LA Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program Expands Access to No-Cost Legal Support for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
More Than 1,000 Small Business Already Assisted and Counting
Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and Public Counsel are providing no cost legal services to small business owners and entrepreneurs across LA County through the LA Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program, helping them build, protect, and grow their business. LA County and DEO have invested $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act and partnered with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department to expand the program and provide a no wrong door approach for legal services for small businesses countywide and at scale.
The LA Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program (Legal Aid Program) has been transformative, addressing long-standing gaps in access to legal services for entrepreneurs, especially women, immigrants, and communities of color. By offering free multilingual resources and tailored counsel through one centralized point of entry, the program empowers small business owners to overcome barriers, navigate challenges, and thrive. The Legal Aid Program’s comprehensive suite of services include contract review, business structuring, employment law guidance, intellectual property protection, and support navigating government relief programs. It also provides business education through accessible workshops and Academies, 1:1 counseling, and referrals for representation. Together, these services have been a lifeline for many entrepreneurs, especially amid ongoing economic uncertainty caused by natural disasters and structural inequities.
Since 2022, the program has provided 1:1 legal counsel to over 1,400 unique businesses and hosted 48 legal education workshops and Academies, reaching over 4,211 unique businesses. In the current fiscal year alone, 322 small businesses have already accessed 1:1 legal counseling and 1,085 have attended legal education workshops.
"Our small businesses are the cornerstone of our communities, contributing to the social fabric and economic vitality of LA County,” said Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, a strong advocate for this program. “Small business owners face obstacles and unforeseen challenges every day. I'm proud we can support them with no-cost legal services to help launch and keep their doors open. I look forward to the Legal Aid Program's continued impact and it is reaching more entrepreneurs and communities of color in the 2nd District and throughout LA County."
“Legal support is essential for every entrepreneur working to build something meaningful in their community,” said First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem. “This program is about creating a level playing field—especially for small business owners from underserved backgrounds who have historically faced systemic barriers to opportunity. By offering access to trusted legal guidance, we’re helping these entrepreneurs safeguard what they’ve built, seize new opportunities, and strengthen a more inclusive and resilient local economy. Every business deserves a fair shot, regardless of its size, background, or zip code.”
“We know that for many small business owners, getting legal support can be a real barrier” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “The Legal Aid program makes it easier for entrepreneurs to get the help they need, make informed decisions, and grow their business creating more jobs and building resilient communities”
“Small businesses are a critical part of the Los Angeles community. They are the backbone of our economy, serve as a means to build family and intergenerational wealth, and contribute to the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities,” said Bet Tzedek CEO and President Diego Cartagena. “Bet Tzedek is proud to partner with LA County’s Department of Economic Opportunity to help small business owners address legal hurdles so that they can focus on launching and growing their entrepreneurial dreams, especially during this time of economic uncertainty.”
The LA Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program reflects DEO’s commitment to advancing economic mobility, fostering equitable opportunity, and ensuring resilience of LA county’s small business ecosystem. DEO is highlighting the Legal Aid Program and other small business services this May for Small Business Month.
Business owners in LA County seeking Legal Aid Program assessment, legal education workshops or counsel, and referrals for representation can visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/legalaid or lalegalhelp.org, call 866-375-9511, or email sblhelp@bettzedek.org. All services are offered at no-cost, in language, and on an ongoing basis.
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About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, launched in July 2022, helps job seekers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, major industries, and communities access life changing opportunities, and is also home to the Office of Small Business, LA County’s one-stop shop dedicated to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners. 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.
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