Needs, Strengths, and Trust: Listening to the Small Businesses of East Los Angeles

This community research report captures the voices of over 650 small businesses in East Los Angeles. Through interviews and on-the-ground outreach, it reveals the real challenges entrepreneurs face, from losing customers and struggling to hire, to navigating funding systems they don’t fully trust. At the same time, it highlights the deep pride, cultural roots, and community commitment that make East LA businesses essential to the region’s economic future.