As the curtains closed on the remarkable Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the world was in awe of athleticism, global unity, and human achievement. The Games were a celebration not only of sport but of collaboration and community on a global scale. With the world looking ahead, Los Angeles stands proudly in the spotlight as the host city for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For the business community of Los Angeles, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The time to prepare for LA 2028 is now. With the official countdown already underway, the potential economic windfall from the Games is expected to be monumental. From job creation to infrastructure development and an anticipated surge in tourism, the 2028 Games present unparalleled opportunities for businesses across our region. As president and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, I am committed to ensuring that all businesses, particularly small and minority-owned enterprises, have access to these opportunities. It’s crucial that we all take proactive steps to prepare for this historic event.
THE ECONOMIC PROMISE OF LA 2028
Hosting the Olympic Games is no small feat. The sheer scale of such an event brings economic benefits that touch virtually every sector of our local economy. The projected economic impact is staggering: Billions of dollars will be injected into Los Angeles’ economy through tourism, hospitality, retail, and transportation industries, along with countless other business sectors. These funds will fuel immediate growth and create a long-term legacy of innovation and opportunity for our city.
The economic ripple effects of the 2028 Games will be felt far and wide, with a particular focus on job creation, infrastructure improvements, and expanding opportunities for local businesses. However, these benefits will not materialize on their own. Businesses must take proactive steps to position themselves for success. As the region’s Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to lead the charge in helping local businesses, especially small and minority-owned firms, get a piece of this Olympic pie. You can rest assured that we are fully committed to this mission.
THE ROLE OF THE LOS ANGELES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has long been a champion for economic growth and opportunity in our region. As the business community gears up for the 2028 Olympic Games, we are proud to partner with the City of Los Angeles and the LA28 Committee to ensure local businesses are front and center in this historic event. Through targeted programs, outreach initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we are committed to creating pathways for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds to thrive.
The Chamber is already hard at work developing resources, workshops, and training sessions designed to help businesses navigate the Olympic landscape. Whether it’s understanding procurement opportunities, navigating vendor applications, or learning how to engage with international markets, our goal is to equip local businesses with the tools they need to succeed. We are also working closely with industry leaders and stakeholders to identify key focus areas and ensure that all businesses, particularly small and minority-owned enterprises, have access to the wealth of opportunities that LA 2028 will bring.
“GET IN THE GAME” INITIATIVE: CHAMPIONING SMALL & MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES
In line with our commitment to inclusivity, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with LISC Los Angeles and the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation to launch the “Get in the Game” initiative. This groundbreaking project is explicitly designed to help small and diverse businesses prepare for the business opportunities arising from major global events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
We focus on creating a fair and inclusive procurement process that ensures small and minority-owned businesses have a seat at the table. With over $150 billion expected to circulate through the regional economy, we believe it is critical to support businesses that have been historically underrepresented in these large-scale economic opportunities. “Get in the Game” provides vital resources, including consultations, business development training, and networking opportunities, to help small businesses navigate the often complex world of Olympic procurement.
A key component of this initiative is the Supplier Development Program, which offers both individual consultations and group-based courses designed to prepare businesses for procurement opportunities. The Supplier Finance Fund complements these efforts by providing small business vendors with access to creative capital solutions, ensuring they have the financial resources needed to compete for and fulfill Olympic contracts.
The Procurement Innovation Forum, another central piece of the “Get in the Game” initiative, fosters an environment for collaboration between large and small businesses, encouraging innovation and equitable procurement practices. This forum brings together business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to develop new approaches to procurement that prioritize fairness and inclusivity.
ENSURING AN INCLUSIVE LEGACY
As we move closer to LA 2028, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to ensuring that the economic benefits of the Games are distributed equitably across our community. We are acutely aware of small and minority-owned businesses’ challenges in accessing procurement opportunities, so we have made it our mission to break down these barriers.
Through our ongoing partnerships and initiatives, we are dedicated to leveling the playing field and providing businesses of all backgrounds with the support they need to succeed. The LA 2028 Olympic Games are not just a global event; they are an opportunity for our city to showcase its diversity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit on the world stage. By ensuring that all businesses have the chance to participate in this historic moment, we can create a legacy that will benefit Los Angeles for generations to come.
HOW BUSINESSES CAN PREPARE
The time to act is now for businesses looking to seize the opportunities presented by LA 2028. Here are a few steps to get started:
- Register with Olympic-related databases: Ensure your business is listed on the platforms facilitating procurement and vendor opportunities for the Games.
- Attend Chamber-hosted events and workshops: Stay informed about upcoming opportunities and learn how to position your business for success.
- Connect with the Chamber’s resources: Use our support systems and networking events to build valuable connections within the Olympic ecosystem.
By engaging with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and ensure they are well-prepared to take full advantage of the economic windfall that LA 2028 will bring.
As excitement for the 2028 Olympic Games continues to build, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce stands ready to guide and support our business community through this transformative moment. We are committed to fostering an inclusive economic environment where all businesses—regardless of size or background—can thrive.
Let’s work together to ensure that the LA 2028 Olympic Games showcase our city’s greatness and create a lasting legacy of opportunity, innovation, and prosperity for all Angelenos. The road to 2028 starts now. Let’s get to work.
Maria S. Salinas is the President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in Los Angeles County representing member companies and serving the interests of more than 235,000 businesses across the Los Angeles region.