Friday, 8.15.26 from 9:30am to 1:30pm
The Beehive
1000 E 60th St, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Google Supports
Small Businesses Impacted by the 2025 Wildfires
An estimated 1,900 small businesses were in the fire zones of the LA wildfires. Those businesses, and many more outside the fire zones, are facing significant challenges maintaining and continuing operations due to significant income and customer loss. To facilitate their immediate relief and long-term recovery, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched the Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local. Campaign and as part of the campaign, joined forces with Google to host a one-day tech fair to provide businesses help adopting technology to modernize operations and reach more consumers, aiding in their recovery and ensuring greater resilience against future crises.
Schedule
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Small Business check-in, registration, and networking
10:30 am - 11:15 am
Welcome and opening remarks ~ featuring special announcement
Panel with Google
Location: Depot Room (Main Stage)
This session will explore the importance of small businesses to the local economy, the specific challenges they face during long-term recovery from crises like the recent wildfires, and the opportunities presented by new technologies like AI. Panelists will share best practices, policy solutions, and practical strategies for navigating economic challenges and fostering sustainable growth.
11:15 am - 12:25 pm
Grow with Google: AI for small businesses (laptops provided)
Location: Depot Room (Breakout Space)
Heard the buzz about AI, but wondering what it actually means for your business? This workshop cuts through the noise. By exploring practical applications and real-life examples from business owners like you, you’ll leave with a personalized plan to put AI to work for your business right away. No prior experience needed – just bring your business challenges!
TMC: Financial recovery after crises (laptops suggested)
Location: SoLA Tech & Entrepreneurship Center
As Los Angeles recovers from the wildfires and California faces increasing climate-related disasters, small businesses are challenged not only to recover—but to build the financial resilience needed to withstand future crises. This panel, hosted by TMC Community Capital as part of their Beyond the Hustle series, brings together experts and community leaders to explore how small businesses can prepare for, recover from, and build resilience in the face of natural disasters and economic uncertainty. From accessing emergency capital to navigating steps towards rebuilding stronger, this conversation will offer tangible insights and resources for business owners.
12:25 pm - 1:00 pm
Grow with Google “Increase Your Sales with Google Tools”
Location: Depot Room (Main Stage)
Learn quick ways to promote your products online using Google tools. We’ll show how local brick-and-mortar businesses can list products on a Google Business Profile. We’ll also cover Google Merchant Center, a no-cost tool that allows both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar businesses to create free Product Listings on Google. This workshop is most beneficial to small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to drive sales.
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Networking, Resource Booths, and Lunch!
Location: Depot Room (Main Stage) and Courtyard
What's in store for you
CRITICAL TOOLS
Get connected to resources and tools every business needs to operate efficiently and expand its reach to consumers
NETWORKING
Meet other business owners, experts from Google, and representatives from DEO to help guide your business
LUNCH + LEARN
Stay for the whole event and join us for lunch and gret conversations.
Event Logistics
Where to Park
The Beehive
1000 E 60th St, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Parking Lot and Street Parking Available
What to Bring
Laptop (optional)
Food and Drinks
Complimentary
We look forward to seeing you there!
Space is limited. RSVP now!