Minority-owned small businesses are significant contributors to the California economy, generating nearly $193 billion in economic output and $28.7 billion in tax revenue annually, while supporting 2.56 million jobs across the state.
LAVA Force is a multicultural marketing agency based in Los Angeles that has been providing public relations, strategic planning, community engagement, event planning, and B2B communications to help incubate small business success since 2019.
On May 23rd, LAVA Force will present Dream Big, a forum designed to empower minority and women-owned businesses in Los Angeles at the City Club in downtown Los Angeles.
Dream Big aims to help tackle some of the challenges women and minority owned businesses face when it comes to securing their fair share of contracts within California’s thriving economy.
“Dream Big symbolizes finding innovative solutions to meet the needs of our community, clients, and partners,” said Luis Alfredo Vasquez-Ajmac, President of LAVA and organizer of Dream Big.
He continues, “It represents taking risks, embracing new opportunities, and persevering through challenges. Nothing beats face-to-face interactions to build trust and business relationships rapidly. Dream Big is also about transcending current limitations, believing in your plan, your team, your work ethic, and achieving unstoppable goals with LAVA Force.”
Luis Alfredo Vasquez-Ajmac – President of LAVA Force and Associate – Photo Courtesy of LAVA Force
The forum kicks off with the Breaking Barriers Town Hall Meeting, featuring prominent panelists including Tara Lynn Grey, Director of California’s Office of Small Business Advocate; Tony Tavares, Director of Caltrans; Angela Shell, Deputy Director of the Procurement Division of the California Department of General Services; and others.
The session will address critical issues such as the role of government contracting in fostering racial wealth equity, challenges with DBE certifications, and obstacles faced by minority entrepreneurs.
The audience-driven panel discussion will be hosted by KTLA journalist, David Lazarus.
Attendees can gain valuable insights on crafting winning proposals through a session led by contracting expert Lisa Rehurek, CEO of RFP Success Company. Her presentation, “Beyond Certification,” will explore the DARE methodology for proposal writing.
Dream Big will also be giving away free copies of the RFP Accelerator program valued at $695.
Throughout the forum, attendees can explore a comprehensive resource pavilion featuring information on certification programs, funding options, and business development tools.
Representatives from sponsoring organizations dedicated to supporting the growth of minority-owned businesses will also be available to connect with guests. Among them, the participation of community sponsors such as the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce, California African-American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Los Angeles African-American Chamber of Commerce, Filipino Chamber of Commerce, and California Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, making Dream Big one of the most comprehensive business networking events to ever exist.
Participants will enjoy innovative discussions at a fast-paced networking luncheon serving gourmet sandwiches and other menu options.
Luis Alfredo Vasquez-Ajmac highlighted the significance of resilience in the journey of small businesses. He said, “One common thread in the journey of small business is survival and perseverance.”
Vasquez-Ajmac further said, “To give entrepreneurs a boost, 10 ambitious entrepreneurs will have the chance to compete for a $500 Dream Big Boost grant in our exciting pitch-off competition. They will tell the panel of judges how these funds will give them a boost.”
“This opportunity is exclusively open to the first 10 entrepreneurs with at least two years of business experience who sign up first thing in the morning.”
Dream Big is supported by a distinguished group of sponsors including Caltrans, the Port of Long Beach, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, CA Department of General Services, Construction Contractors Alliance, Vermont-Slauson Economic Development Corporation, McCarthy Building Company, KTLA 5, and Meruelo Media. www.lavaforce.com
