Councilmember Concejala Hot welcomed John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation HOPE, to Los Angeles City Hall to announce a private-sector initiative that the council described as aimed at supporting Black-owned small businesses in Council District 10. The initiative pairs Operation HOPE with Shopify and, according to presenters, will provide roughly $1.2 million in workshops, coaching and digital-commerce resources targeted to Black business owners in CD10.

Why it matters: Councilmembers said the program aims to boost economic equity and prepare small businesses for a series of major events coming to Los Angeles, including FIFA and the 2028 Olympics. Councilmember Price presented a certificate recognizing the nonprofit’s 33 years of work in financial-literacy training and small-business support.

Program details presented by Operation HOPE and partners include financial-literacy workshops, individualized technical assistance, mentorship and support for online retail operations. The presenters described Shopify’s contribution as part of the funding and technical partnership; Bryant emphasized the funds are private-sector commitments rather than city appropriations.

Councilmembers and presenters framed the initiative as focused on helping business owners build skills to take payments online, develop sustainable business plans and access mentoring. Operation HOPE said it operates nationally with many local offices and works with community partners and banks to provide operations sites and services.

No formal council vote or ordinance was recorded on this announcement during the meeting. The presentation included a proclamation recognizing Operation HOPE’s 33rd anniversary and the partnership with Shopify and district staff.