Los Angeles – The BizFed Advocacy Academy (BAA) has partnered with Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, the Century City Chamber of Commerce and the Culver City Chamber of Commerce for a special regionally focused, free eight-week online leadership and workforce development program designed to empower entrepreneurs, small business owners, students, nonprofit leaders and public affairs professionals with the tools to succeed in business while understanding and influencing the policies that impact economic opportunity and community growth.
Representing nearly one million residents in California’s 28th Senate District, Smallwood-Cuevas is a strong champion of small business, and this partnership aims to connect local communities, business leaders and policymakers through practical advocacy training and real-world problem solving.
The Academy’s online curriculum combines expert-led instruction with project-based learning and collaborative engagement. Participants receive weekly live Zoom sessions with policy and industry experts, real-time group work, a $500 completion stipend, certification credentials, an in-person graduation presentation and alumni access to mentorship and networking opportunities.
“Small businesses are the backbone of California, so I was proud to partner with the BizFed Advocacy Academy to help local entrepreneurs better understand the policymaking process. When business owners know how to engage with government and advocate for economic policies, they can help shape a stronger, more inclusive economy for our communities.” – Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles)
The Spring Cohort’s regional session will focus on economic development, workforce opportunities, entrepreneurship and civic leadership while giving participants direct access to Smallwood-Cuevas and regional chamber leaders. BizFed Advocacy Academy plans to continue expanding these regionally focused partnerships with chambers of commerce and elected officials throughout Los Angeles County.
“The BizFed Advocacy Academy is about bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application,” said Alysia Rivers, BizFed Advocacy Academy program director. “By bringing together local chambers, elected officials with business and community leaders, we’re creating opportunities for participants to engage directly with the people and policies shaping Los Angeles County while developing practical, career-building skills that can immediately be applied in the real world.”
Thanks to the support of public and private partners, participation in the Advocacy Academy is completely free, and participants receive a $500 stipend for successful completion of the program. Applications open quarterly, with space limited to 35 participants per cohort.
To learn more, visit bizfedadvocacyacademy.org or email advocacyacademy@bizfed.org.
