Monday, May 4 | Business Panel – Brick & Mortar Focus

Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Networking at 8:30 AM)
Location: The BR Companies – 2247 Lindsay Way

RSVP

Overview:
Panel discussion focused on operating and growing a physical storefront business in today’s environment.

Panelists:

• Juan Robles – Triple Beam Pizza
• Dalel Snider – Glendora Florist
• Suzanne Acosta – Beauty Pros Salon

Topics:

• Customer experience and retention
• Foot traffic and local engagement
• Operational challenges and lessons learned
• Scaling a brick-and-mortar business

Tuesday, May 5 | Business Panel – E-Commerce Focus

Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Networking at 8:30 AM)
Location: The BR Companies

RSVP

Overview:
Panel discussion focused on building and scaling an online business.

Panelists:

• Crystal Manke – Cindy Jane Boutique
• Vipul Chitania – TAS
• Marcy Barba – Always Bee Fancy

Topics:

• Brand development and positioning
• Online sales strategies
• Customer acquisition and retention
• Leveraging digital platforms

Wednesday, May 6 | Certification & Procurement Workshop

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Networking at 8:30 AM)
Location: Bidwell Forum

RSVP

Overview:
Hands-on workshop focused on small business certification and how to access contracting opportunities tied to major events and agencies.

Speakers / Organizations:

• Jack Ochoa – CA DGS Office of Small Business
• LAUSD – Small Business Program
• Metro – Small Business Program
• Additional agencies TBD

Agenda:

• “Clearing the Fog” of Small Business Certification and Why It Matters (Jack Ochoa)
• LAUSD Opportunities Overview
• Metro Opportunities Overview
• CA DGS & SoCal Opportunities (Jack Ochoa)
• Break & Open Q&A
• Capability Statement (Business Resume) – Why It Matters
• How Agencies Buy (Procurement Process Overview)
• Required Documents for Fast-Track Certification

Thursday, May 7 | SBA Webinar (Virtual)

Time: 9:00 AM

Registration coming soon

Overview:
Overview of SBA resources, programs, and support available to small businesses, plus business opportunities with LA Metro.

Speaker:

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• LA Metro

Friday, May 8 | Small Business Resource Mixer

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Bidwell Forum

RSVP

Overview:
Open-format mixer with resource partners available for one-on-one engagement.

Participating Organizations:

• SBA – Confirmed
• SBDC – Confirmed
• Department of Economic Opportunity (LA County)
• Foothill Workforce Development Board
• Glendora Chamber of Commerce – Confirmed
• Glendora Library – Confirmed
• SoCalGas – Confirmed
• Southern California Edison
• Athens Services