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SCORE Los Angeles and the SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) have been working with Los Angeles Public Libraries for many years to provide business programming and, specifically, small business workshops and advice to the library’s audiences. The library offered live in-person workshops for small business owners pre-pandemic. Now Zoom webinars that are recorded for future access are the norm.

SCORE Los Angeles Certified Mentor Jim Fitzhugh cultivated a beneficial relationship with the library system in 2017 while serving as SCORE Los Angeles Chapter Chair. Fitzhugh continues to foster the partnership, which has expanded significantly thanks to the library’s new online programming delivery system and the range of helpful topics. Programs include starting a business, writing a business plan, starting an online business, SBA funding opportunities, and access to capital. The free workshops have been accessed more than 2,000 times by library patrons since March 2022.  

“Almost 50% of the workshop audience comes from underserved areas of Los Angeles, which is exactly where they are needed most,” noted Fitzhugh. “SCORE Los Angeles has First Foundation to thank for sponsoring this and other programs with generous donations that help deliver education content to our underserved communities.”

The library system is also pleased with the results, according to Caroline Zakarian of the Los Angeles Public Library’s Office of Civics and Community Services, Engagement and Learning Division. “SCORE is a great partner that provides much-needed mentorship and support to all small business owners,” she noted.