The Black Economic Development Agenda


The Black Economic Development Agenda (BEDA) is LISC LA’s initiative to focus its resources and programs in 2021 on closing the racial wealth gap and empowering Black communities across Los Angeles County.

LISC LA has spent this past year galvanizing resources and community partners to launch new programs that strengthen Black-owned businesses through economic relief and business development, and empower Black Angelenos through criminal reform and leadership development.


GOALS | PROGRAMS | PODCAST | RESOURCES

OUR GOALS

PROGRAMS

Many of the Black Economic Development Agenda programs will support the local economies of historically Black neighborhoods in Los Angeles, by ensuring upward mobility is achievable through access to capital, affordable housing, and business and leadership development. Some of these programs include:

ASCEND LA

The ASCEND LA program provides diverse small businesses with access to the executive management education, capital, and market opportunities they need to stimulate business growth and job creation. In 2021, Ascend LA graduates captured $18M in contracts won, and over $10M in expected revenue growth. Since its launch, Ascend LA has served 69 businesses, 55% were woman-owned businesses, and 47% of business owners identified as Black. 

This year, ASCEND LA will host a cohort of 40 diverse BIPOC and/or woman-owned businesses. Business owners will be part of a management education program led by award winning entrepreneurship professors from Loyola Marymount University, obtain expert certification and bid preparation support from business development advisors, connect with regional and national supply chains, receive 1-on-1 advising with loan and procurement specialist, and access flexible capital resources.

Learn more about Ascend LA


Black Business Excellence Technical Assistance (BBET) Initiative

The Black Business Excellence Technical Assistance Initiative is an intensive accelerator program that will provide Black-owned small businesses in the personal care industry - health, wellness, and beauty - with the support they need to take their businesses to the next level.


Elevate Black Leaders

Elevate Black Leaders is a year-long leadership and executive management training for mid-career professionals and support succession planning efforts for Black-led community development and racial justice organizations in Los Angeles. This program will help build a cohort of strong Black, next generation leaders with deep roots in their communities.

Learn more about Elevate Black Leaders

Changemakers LA BEDA Episodes

Changemakers LA will be dedicating a number of podcasts this year to discuss racial health, wealth, and opportunity gaps that disproportionately impact BIPOC communities, how COVID-19 has highlighted the disparities in crisis support for communities of color, and what LISC LA and BEDA partners are doing to support these underserved communities.

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Advancing Economic Mobility for Communities In South LA During the COVID-19 pandemic
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Coronavirus Resiliency and Racial Inequity
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Advancing Equitable Growth in the Affordable Housing Industry
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BEDA Resources

LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund Resources

With this grant program, Black-owned businesses in LA County have been able to pay overdue rent and utility bills, maintain operations, and pivot as needed given the changing economic landscape. [...]

Small Business Grants funded by Verizon

Verizon committed $10 million to provide grants to small businesses through LISC. With this grant, Black-owned small businesses in LA County have been able to keep up with payroll, rent and inventory to maintain operations through the pandemic. [...]