As we continue our series highlighting valuable resources from the Los Angeles Small Business Summit, we are excited to feature the first of many: the LEEAF Business Accelerator Program. This program is designed to support BIPOC women entrepreneurs in Los Angeles County by providing them with the tools, training, and support needed to grow and thrive in today's competitive business environment.

Understanding the LEEAF Program

The LEEAF Accelerator drives growth for a cohort of business leaders through tailored training, one-on-one advising, and human capital in the form of a dedicated LEEAF Fellow. During an intensive training year, accelerator members support each other and, through the alumni network, grow revenue, access capital, and acquire cutting-edge tools to help their businesses thrive.z

Key elements of the program include:

• Tailored Trainings: Customized sessions aimed at addressing specific business challenges.
• 1:1 Advising: Personalized guidance from experienced advisors to help navigate business complexities.
• Dedicated LEEAF Fellow: A CalStateLA student fellow works closely with the business leaders, providing additional support and innovative perspectives.
  
  

Throughout the program, fellows and business leaders collaborate to pivot business models to become disaster-resilient and capable of recovering from economic downturns. This includes launching digital marketing campaigns, developing new customer pipelines, and refining products and services to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

Eligibility and Impact

The LEEAF Accelerator is open to BIPOC women who are business owners or operational leaders and have been in business for at least six months. Priority is given to applicants from traditionally underserved communities such as East LA, South LA, South Central LA, and South East LA. The program is highly selective, accepting only 40 BIPOC women business leaders or entrepreneurs each year.

The impact of the LEEAF program on small businesses and the broader community is significant. By focusing on BIPOC women entrepreneurs, the program helps to bridge the gap in access to resources and opportunities for traditionally underserved groups. Participants benefit from increased revenue, improved business practices, and enhanced resilience, which in turn contribute to the overall economic growth and stability of their communities.

Benefits to Small Businesses and the Community

The LEEAF program's benefits extend beyond individual businesses to the community at large:

• Economic Growth: By supporting the growth of small businesses, the program contributes to job creation and economic development within local communities.
• Community Development: Successful businesses can reinvest in their communities, leading to improved local infrastructure, services, and quality of life.
• Innovation and Diversity: The diverse perspectives and innovative solutions fostered by the program help drive creativity and competitiveness in the local economy.
• Empowerment: The program empowers BIPOC women entrepreneurs, giving them the confidence and skills to scale their businesses and become community leaders.
  
  

We are excited to share more insights from the LEEAF program and other resources from the Los Angeles Small Business Summit in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates and detailed posts on how these programs can help your business thrive!

For more information about the LEEAF Business Accelerator Program, visit their official page and check out their FAQ.

References:

1. Los Angeles Economic Opportunity. “Regional Business Summit at LA Coliseum Draws More than 500 Angelenos, Provides Connections for Small Businesses.” Mayor's Office of Los Angeles, https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/regional-business-summit-la-coliseum-draws-more-500-angelenos-provides-connections-small.
2. LEEAF Business Accelerator Program Overview, https://www.calstatela.edu/leeaf/business-accelerator.
3. LEEAF Business Accelerator Program FAQ, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C8dCj0x6QfVaeYpVE26YL7-zImcXZEsXofYJU_OYrRI/edit.