Microbusiness-heavy sample
Most respondents run very small businesses, with 8 out of 9 reporting between 1 and 50 employees.
Key Takeaways
Permits often take time
Only 22% received permits in 0 to 6 months, while 78% took 6 months or longer.
Support systems feel distant
Most respondents were not familiar or only slightly familiar with local support programs, and nearly all had never applied.
Survey Questions
What industry is your business in?
How many employees do you currently have?
The respondent group is overwhelmingly composed of small businesses rather than mid-sized firms.
How long have your business been operating?
How long did it take you to obtain your business permit?
Permit timing is a major friction point: 7 of 9 respondents took at least 6 months to secure a permit.
What is your biggest challenge when opening your business?
Hiring
Bureaucracy
Approval process
Advertising my products
Marketing
Working with LA County through the building permit and regional planning process
Money
How familiar are you with government programs available for small business in L.A.?
Two-thirds of respondents fall in the low-awareness range, suggesting an outreach and communication gap.
Have you ever applied for government support such as grants, loans, or tax relief?
Only one respondent reported applying for support, citing COVID Emergency Funding.
How helpful was your local government in assisting you with starting your business?
The dominant perception is negative: nearly two-thirds said local government was not helpful.
What can your local government do to make it easier to open a business?
The most requested improvement was marketing grants, followed by direct cost relief and faster permitting.