“A Lot of Money to Be Made”: Ahead of 2028 LA Olympic Games, Black Caucus Encourages Black-Owned Businesses to Lock In Contracts

April 21, 2026

California Assemblymember Tina McKinnor is working to ensure small businesses, particularly Black and minority-owned enterprises, can access procurement opportunities from the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. LA28 organizers have committed to directing 25% of spending to small businesses and keeping 75% of procurement within the Greater Los Angeles region, with an estimated $11 billion economic impact at stake. To participate, businesses must obtain proper certification and register through official procurement portals rather than operating informally from home.

Who is affected

Small businesses in Greater Los Angeles region
Black and minority-owned businesses in Inglewood and surrounding areas
Women-, LGBTQ+-, and veteran-owned businesses
Black-owned businesses along Market Street in downtown Inglewood
South Los Angeles working families
Local vendors and suppliers seeking contracts
Business owners who need certification to qualify for contracts

What action is being taken

LA28 leadership is meeting with Assembly committees to review preparations and small business involvement
NAACP Los Angeles is actively engaging with LA28 to ensure economic equity
LA28 has established a supplier diversity program to identify and contract with minority-, women-, LGBTQ+, and veteran-owned businesses
Assemblymember McKinnor is informing business owners about certification requirements and opportunities
LA28 is directing procurement spending toward small businesses in the Greater Los Angeles region

Why it matters

The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games represent a significant economic opportunity with an estimated $11 billion economic impact for the Greater Los Angeles region. Ensuring equitable access to procurement contracts allows local small businesses, particularly those owned by Black and minority entrepreneurs, to benefit financially from this major international event. The commitment to direct 25% of spending to small businesses and 75% of procurement locally can provide substantial economic benefits to communities that have historically been excluded from such opportunities, potentially creating long-term economic development in areas like Inglewood's Market Street commercial corridor.

What's next

LA28 leadership plans to host roundtable discussions with various organizations to discuss procurement and educate local businesses about available opportunities
Inglewood businesses are encouraged to become certified and register on procurement portals
Black-owned businesses should register their interest through the official LA28 website
Vendors should reach out to Black chambers of commerce to access contracting opportunities
Interested vendors should visit RAMP LA at http://www.rampla.org to secure contracts

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint