UBJ Staff • September 22, 2026

Local Businesses Can Connect with Real Opportunities in Sports, Entertainment and Government Contracting

LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass is inviting Angelenos to attend her 3rd annual Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit on Monday, September 28 at the LA Convention Center. Launched in 2024 by Mayor Bass, the free summit provides local businesses with support and resources to tap into opportunities for upcoming major global events coming to Los Angeles. This year, Mayor Bass will participate in a moderated fireside chat with LA legend, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. 


Interested Angelenos can visit here to RSVP. B-roll and photos of last year’s Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit available here. 


“Through my Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit, we’re making sure LA’s business owners are ready to compete and win major contracts ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Mayor Bass. “With an expected $40 billion in economic opportunity from the LA28 Games, I’m hoping entrepreneurs will join me to access these critical resources, hear from industry experts and learn how they can take their business to the next level ahead of this global moment for Los Angeles.”


Last year, the summit hosted more than 1,600 local businesses and entrepreneurs, where attendees had access to networking opportunities, resources, and procurement guidance to help them better compete for contracts. Industry leaders also provided insights into their planning and preparation for major upcoming sporting events. 


In addition to the third annual Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit, Mayor Bass has also taken multiple actions to support the LA business community and get Angelenos ready for major global events, including:


Launching RELAY28, a regional coalition dedicated to connecting local workers to jobs and helping local businesses prepare for the workforce needs of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.


Securing more than $45 million in contracts for LA’s local and small businesses through her ProcureLA program which provides businesses with targeted services, guidance, and resources to build a pipeline of businesses ready to compete and secure major contracts ahead of major events. 


Issuing Executive Directive 19 to reduce delays in City approval processes, simplify permitting and make it easier for Angelenos to open a new business. 


Starting the City’s Contract Financing Program, thanks to a $1M donation from Banc of California, helping local small business owners and entrepreneurs access competitive City contracts through securing competitive financial capital. 


Finalizing the expansion and modernization of the LA Convention Center, signaling that LA is ready to compete and win on the world stage, attracting even more global tourism. 


Announcing the new Business Navigator, a centralized website for local small businesses to access permits, resources and procurement opportunities. 

Mayor Bass Launches RELAY28 to Connect Local Workers to Jobs During and Beyond the 2028 Games

By Kim Anthony • September 22, 2026
LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass today launched RELAY28, a regional coalition dedicated to connecting local workers to jobs and helping local businesses prepare for the workforce needs of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A recent study conducted by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) estimates that planning, preparing for, and hosting the Games could generate up to $40.6 billion in economic output and create more than 200,000 jobs across the L.A. region. RELAY28 is harnessing that economic opportunity to create and develop careers that will benefit working Angelenos beyond 2028. “Los Angeles is preparing to welcome the world, and we are making sure our workers and businesses are ready to benefit from the opportunities that come with it,” said Mayor Bass . “RELAY28 brings together employers, workforce leaders, educators, labor, and community partners to connect Angelenos to quality jobs, strengthen our local businesses, and build a stronger regional economy. The Games are more than a summer event — the opportunities we create today will benefit Los Angeles for years to come.” “The 2028 Games represent a once-in-a-generation catalyst to generate up to $40 billion in economic output and support more than 200,000 jobs across our region," said LA28 Chief Executive Officer, Reynold Hoover. "As LA28 expands our workforce from nearly 1,000 employees today to approximately 5,000 at Games time, local hire is about far more than filling temporary roles, it is about creating long-term career pathways for Angelenos. We are proud to partner with Mayor Bass, the City of Los Angeles and regional workforce development leaders on this initiative. Together, with all of our partners, we will ensure the economic benefits of the Games leave a lasting legacy for years to come.” RELAY28 is a regional coalition of employers, local governments, workforce development boards, educational institutions, labor organizations, chambers of commerce, philanthropy, and community partners to coordinate workforce efforts across the region. Employers will identify projected hiring and skills needs and through RELAY28 connect with qualified local talent. RELAY28 will also focus on helping young people enter the workforce and build lasting careers through internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and mentorships. On Monday, September 28, Mayor Bass will host her third annual Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit to help prepare businesses for contracting opportunities for upcoming major events, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Summit will include a fireside chat featuring Mayor Bass and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises. Networking opportunities, procurement guidance, matchmaking appointments between businesses and prime contractors, and more will also be available between panels. RSVP here .

Beverly Kuykendall Honored with SCMSDC Business Advocate Award

By Kim Anthony • September 22, 2026
IRVINE, Calif. — September 2, 2026 — Beverly Kuykendall, Chief Strategy Officer of Kuykendall and Associates, was surprised with the Business Advocate Award from the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC) during the SCMSDC Southern California Business Excellence Forum, held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at UC Irvine Beall Applied Innovation at The Cove. The award recognizes Kuykendall’s more than 30 years of support and advocacy on behalf of the business community across Southern California and beyond. A Southern California native, Kuykendall has built her career on a deep understanding of federal procurement protocols and a commitment to sharing that expertise widely. Her guidance has helped numerous West Coast companies successfully enter the federal marketplace, enabling them to balance their public- and private-sector business portfolios and diversify their revenue mix. Across the business community, Kuykendall is known for closing the distance between California’s business owners and decision-makers in Washington, D.C. That ability to connect businesses with people, information and federal opportunities has earned her a reputation as, simply, the bridge. “Beverly Kuykendall has spent more than three decades doing the work of opening doors — connecting Southern California businesses with federal opportunities they might never have found on their own,” said Marlene Nantell, SCMSDC. “She is, quite simply, the bridge between our region business community and Washington, D.C. This recognition is well-earned, and we were proud to celebrate her in front of her peers.” In addition to receiving the award, Kuykendall served as a panelist during a fireside chat at the Forum. She shared the podium with representatives from the City of Los Angeles Internal Services Department and the County of Los Angeles Department of Equal Opportunity. Luvina Beckley, who was in the audience for the surprise presentation, said the recognition reflected the impact Kuykendall has made throughout her career.  “I've watched Beverly guide company after company through the federal procurement process with a level of patience and expertise that's rare to find,” Beckley said. “Seeing her honored today, in front of this room, was a moment years in the making. She has earned every bit of it.”

San Bernardino County’s Reverse Vendor Show Opens a “World of Opportunities” for Local Businesses

By Kim Anthony • September 22, 2026
Local business owners interested in selling products or services to San Bernardino County will have an opportunity to meet directly with the departments that purchase them during the County’s upcoming World of Opportunities Reverse Vendor Show on September 10, 2026, in Yucaipa. Local business owners interested in selling products or services to San Bernardino County will have an opportunity to meet directly with the departments that purchase them during the County’s upcoming World of Opportunities Reverse Vendor Show on September 10, 2026, in Yucaipa. Unlike a traditional vendor fair—where businesses staff booths and wait for prospective customers—the Reverse Vendor Show turns the format around. County departments and purchasing representatives host the booths while vendors circulate, introduce their companies, learn what departments purchase and begin building relationships with potential government customers. The event is designed to make County procurement more accessible by giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to speak face-to-face with departmental representatives, ask questions and better understand how their products and services may align with the County’s operational needs Why This Matters San Bernardino County purchases a vast range of goods and professional services to support its departments and serve nearly 2.2 million residents. Those purchasing needs can create valuable opportunities for local companies—including small, micro, minority-owned and emerging businesses that may not have previously considered government contracting. A previous World of Opportunities event brought together more than 156 local vendors, 105 County employees and representatives from 35 County departments, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available through the County’s procurement system. The Reverse Vendor Show also gives business owners a chance to move beyond simply searching for open solicitations. Vendors can learn what departments need, identify appropriate buyers and begin developing the relationships and understanding that can better prepare them for future contracting opportunities. How to Prepare Business owners planning to participate should be prepared to clearly explain: What their company provides The industries and customers they currently serve Their company’s capabilities and capacity What makes their products or services distinctive How their business could help a County department meet its needs Vendors should also bring business cards, a concise capability statement and any applicable certifications or qualifications. Companies interested in doing business with San Bernardino County must register through the County’s ePro electronic procurement system. Through ePro, vendors can register their businesses, select relevant commodity codes, review open bids and receive notices about potential opportunities. The Purchasing Department’s online toolkit also allows businesses to search commodity codes, identify buyers by department and access tutorials and procurement resources. About San Bernardino County Purchasing The San Bernardino County Purchasing Department obtains goods and services for County departments, establishes and administers contracts, manages supplier relationships and oversees the County’s electronic procurement system. Its work is guided by customer service, partnership, innovation, ethical and fair conduct, professional standards and transparency. In addition to securing the goods and services needed by County departments, Purchasing works to cultivate a business-friendly environment that supports vendor participation and local economic development. Opportunity at a Glance Event: World of Opportunities Reverse Vendor Show Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 Location: Yucaipa, California Presented by: San Bernardino County Purchasing Department Who Should Attend: Businesses and vendors interested in selling products or services to San Bernardino County For event registration and updates, visit the San Bernardino County Purchasing Department . For vendor-registration assistance, call (909) 387-3373. Businesses may also contact the Purchasing Department at epro.vendor@pur.sbcounty.gov or (909) 387-2060. UBJ Opportunity Takeaway Government procurement can feel complicated, but events like the World of Opportunities Reverse Vendor Show give business owners a more accessible place to begin. Register in ePro, prepare a strong capability statement, research the County departments most likely to purchase what you provide—and attend ready to listen, learn and build relationships. Urban Business Journal practices Opportunity Journalism℠ connecting business builders with the information, resources, relationships and opportunities that can help them thrive.
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