LApreneur Program logo - black line drawing of a lightbulb with LApreneur in casual script font over gradient yellow background

LApreneur Program logo - black line drawing of a lightbulb with LApreneur in casual script font over gradient yellow background

Entrepreneurship Education, Resources and Tools to Start or Grow Your Business
Space is limited, submit an interest form today!


LApreneur is a comprehensive and collaborative partnership established by the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Business and Economic Development and the City’s Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) in partnership with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), the City’s BusinessSource Centers, and Loyola Marymount University (LMU).






About LApreneur



This program streamlines entrepreneurship education and resources, providing aspiring and existing business owners access to resources and tools designed to give businesses the foundation they need to start, grow, and succeed. Whether you are a business that has been in operation for many years or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to benefit from the gig economy and become an independent contractor — this program is available at no cost to support you.



Program Eligibility



To participate, you must be a resident of the City of Los Angeles or have a business within the City. To find out if your residence or business is within City boundaries, please visit NeighborhoodInfo.lacity.gov.



Program Features



The LApreneur Program aims to be a flexible program that works with the busy lives of business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. It includes the following:


Online Learning Modules
illustrated person at a laptop taking a variety of business workshops
Exclusive access to 12 Online Modules - one module released each week - and 3 optional learning modules that will cover a large range of topics, from building a business plan and marketing strategy to financial planning to grow your business.

Each module is self-paced and requires approximately 2 to 3 hours per week. Includes access to virtual office hours with business advisors and trainers.

online platform available in multiple languages
Virtual Workshops
illustration of a zoom style interface on a laptop
Each 2 weeks, virtual workshops will guide you through the process of taking what you learned from the online modules to applying it to your own business. The bi-weekly virtual workshops are held for 1 to 2 hours per session.

Office Hours will be held every 2 weeks on alternating weeks.
Entrepreneurial Mindset Training
illustration of a rocket ship over business plans, targets and money
Entrepreneurship professors at Loyola Marymount University will help participants implement what they are learning throughout the program and combine it with the most effective entrepreneurial mindset techniques, ensuring entrepreneurs can optimize their chances of success.
One-on-One Business Assistance*
illustrated woman providing one-to-one business coaching to a male entrepreneur
Participants will be connected to a business consultant that will assist the business on their journey. Support can include help applying for loans, accessing grants, acquiring resources and access to a network of programs.

*available in multiple languages


In-Person Networking Events
diverse illustrated people having conversations
After submitting an interest form, eligible applicants will be invited to a mandatory 1 hour virtual informational webinar and orientation.

An in-person Graduation event will be held at City Hall in September. Graduates who complete the program will be provided access to additional resources.
In-Person Networking Events
diverse illustrated people having conversations
After submitting an interest form, eligible applicants will be invited to a mandatory 1 hour virtual informational webinar and orientation.

An in-person Graduation event will be held at City Hall in September. Graduates who complete the program will be provided access to additional resources.




SPACE IS LIMITED!
Submitting a 2024-2025 Interest Form is recommended for participation in upcoming cohorts.


After filling out the form, you will be notified of your eligibility via email. If you qualify, you'll be invited to a mandatory orientation. Upon completion of the orientation, which will review the program details, you will have the opportunity to decide to enroll in the program - free of charge - and take advantage of the program's resources. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to Mayor.Business@lacity.org.