Member News

As businesses plan for 2026, many leaders are focused on growth, but growth without the right operational foundation can quickly become unsustainable.

At Elevate Business Solutions, we help business owners implement strategies for growth that increase revenue without increasing chaos. Scaling a business requires intentional systems, clear delegation, and a strong understanding of operational and financial data.

Sustainable scaling directly impacts profitability, team capacity, and leadership effectiveness. Business owners should use this planning season to evaluate whether their current operations can support the next stage of growth.

• Assess whether your business is ready to scale
• Streamline and optimize core systems and processes
• Strengthen delegation to remove leadership bottlenecks
• Use accurate financial data to guide strategic decisions

Start 2026 with a growth plan built to last.

Read the full article on our website

This article was originally published by Elevate Business Solutions, proudly supporting business owners and leadership teams nationwide.

Nearly $500,000 in grant awards available to support 100 entrepreneurs and small businesses 

Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched two new grants under the Small Business Mobility Fund:  Entrepreneurship Academy Grants and Launch Grants to provide seed funding to entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to launch their business and commercial spaces in the County. 

The Launch Grants offers grants ranging from $5,000 for businesses launching in non-retail commercial spaces—such as offices and warehouses—to $10,000 for businesses launching in retail commercial spaces with a storefront. Awards for these grants will be exclusively made to help businesses launch their brick-and-mortar business in the unincorporated areas of the County. While not a requirement, priority is provided to businesses dislocated by recent wildfires or opening a business in the unincorporated areas of the County in close proximity to the fires, among other factors such as number of employees and locations with higher unemployment rates of LA County based on the County’s Equity Explorer Map. Eligible uses include tenant or facade improvements, signage, and related building permits. 

In addition, the Entrepreneurship Academy Grants provide up to $2,000 to entrepreneurs and small business owners that graduated from DEO’s Entrepreneurship Academies to help them launch their business or take their business to the next level. Entrepreneurship Academies are 8 to 10-week cohort-based educational programs launched in 2024 with four partners in the region. Academy participants graduated with a business, marketing, and financial plan as well as foundational business strategies, knowledge, and resources to grow. To date the Academies have graduated 819 participants across all five Supervisorial Districts. 

“At the Department of Economic Opportunity, we’re focused on breaking down barriers for our small and micro businesses to grow, thrive, and serve their communities. This next phase of the Small Business Mobility Fund is about fueling ideas and removing the cost burdens that can prevent talented entrepreneurs from opening their doors. Whether it’s a graduate from our Entrepreneurship Academy or a small business bringing new life to a storefront in an unincorporated community, we’re investing in the people and places that are the foundation of LA County’s economic future,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County DEO.  

Both the Launch Grants and Entrepreneurship Academy Grants are made possible through $501,000 of Care First Community Investment (CFCI) funds and are administered in partnership with the Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC). The Small Business Mobility Fund is a key part of DEO’s Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) and its broader mission to reduce barriers to business success by expanding access to education, training and technical assistance, and capital to small businesses across all five Supervisorial Districts. Please visit emi.lacounty.gov to learn more about the initiative and to enroll in an Entrepreneurship Academy— space is still available for a limited time. 

"ICON CDC is proud to be working with the Department of Economic Opportunity to implement this impactful county-wide program,” commented ICON CDC's Executive Director, Roberto Barragan. " We look forward to providing support to hundreds of new small businesses to create jobs and boost the local economy." 

The grant applications are now available in multiple languages until February 13 at 11:00 PM. To qualify, businesses must meet eligibility and documentation requirements, including location and business status. Applicants are also required to provide a business plan detailing how the capital will support their business’s launch. To provide application support, ICON CDC will host virtual informational webinars and application clinics. For application, application guidelines, registration to informational webinars, in-person application clinics, and more details, including eligibility criteria, please visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/sbmf/ Materials and support are available in multiple languages. 

For any general questions, interested applicants can also contact DEO’s Office of Small Business by calling (844)-432-4900 or emailing osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov. 

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About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. 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.

Thunderstruck Sports Performance is excited to officially open its doors in Santa Clarita with a community Grand Opening on Sunday, January 18 from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM.

The open-house event will include facility tours, one-time founding member specials, food and drinks by Eat Real Café, and a charitable raffle. One hundred percent of raffle proceeds will benefit The New Way, a local nonprofit supporting unhoused students in the William S. Hart School District.

The event is open to the community, and we’d love to welcome fellow Chamber members and local residents to stop by, connect, and celebrate.

Location:
27833 Avenue Hopkins, Ste 4
Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Questions: office@thunderstrucksp.com

RSVP: https://rsvp.app/p/yr3OzICbd1

As of January 1, 2026, the IRS has increased the standard mileage reimbursement rate for business travel to 72.5 cents per mile. This update has immediate implications for employers who reimburse employees for work‑related driving.

At Koegle Law Group, we help business owners stay aligned with evolving labor and tax requirements through proactive policy review and compliance‑focused planning.

Mileage reimbursement rates directly affect payroll accuracy, expense reporting, and wage‑and‑hour compliance. Employers should take this opportunity to review internal reimbursement policies, confirm proper documentation practices, and ensure managers understand current requirements.

✅ Apply the updated 2026 IRS mileage rate
✅ Review and update reimbursement policies
✅ Reinforce documentation and recordkeeping practices
✅ Reduce compliance and audit risk

Start 2026 with clarity and confidence.
👉 Read the full blog here

This article was originally published by Koegle Law Group, proudly serving businesses in Santa Clarita and beyond. This communication may be considered advertising material under the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers in California.