Forging Ahead

About the event

Next Street's Industrial Supply Chain Forum is coming to Los Angeles on November 6. This special event will focus on the role of small businesses, along with the challenges and opportunities they face amid the region's significant transformation.

Context

Los Angeles is undergoing profound change. From the devastating wildfires to the promise of global mega events, the region is navigating a period defined by resilience, innovation, and growth. Small businesses—vital to the local economy—are central to this journey, supporting wildfire recovery efforts while seizing new opportunities in infrastructure and housing development, climate resilience, and international events.

Forging Ahead: Centering Small Business amid Regional Change — Lessons from Los Angeles will bring together leaders from government, industry, and finance to explore strategies for strengthening the small businesses that provide the essential goods and services powering regional economic development.

We'll focus on the unique dynamics of L.A., from wildfire recovery to the opportunities created by upcoming mega-events and examine strategies to support and strengthen small businesses.

Agenda

• 3:30 - 4 pm: Registration
• 4 - 4:15 pm: Opening Remarks
• 4:20 - 5:20 pm: Panel One
• 5:25 - 6:25 pm: Panel Two
• 6:25 - 6:30 pm: Closing Remarks

Programming
Panel One / Rebuilding Los Angeles - Centering Small Businesses in Regional Development: Los Angeles is at a pivotal moment in its development, facing the urgent task of rebuilding communities devastated by wildfires while also preparing for the growing impacts of climate change. The region also confronts longer-term challenges in managing its growth, from persistent housing shortages to the construction of major infrastructure projects nearly a decade after passing Measure M. As regional development continues, small contractors and developers are essential to building homes, commercial properties, and physical infrastructure.

This panel will highlight the vital role of these firms and their workers, along with the opportunities and challenges they face, as Los Angeles works to reshape its built environment for sustainable growth and resilience.

Participants include:

• Jonathan Parfrey, Climate Resolve
• Veronica Pugin, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
• Aaron Thomas, Standard Communities

Panel Two / Get in the Game - How Small Businesses Can Benefit from LA’s Major Events: Los Angeles is set to host a series of global sports and entertainment events, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Expected to generate billions in economic activity, these events will create massive opportunities for small businesses—from suppliers working directly with event organizers to Main Street shops serving new customers.

This panel will bring together event organizers, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss how local businesses can get in the game and share in the benefits. The discussion will highlight procurement opportunities, capacity building efforts, and community partnerships to ensure small businesses take part in the short-term economic boom and build lasting growth beyond 2028.

Participants include:

• Samona Caldwell, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission
• Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, The Center by Lendistry
• Nicole Williams, LISC Los Angeles

Complete list of speakers to come.

Learn more about the Forum:

• Visit our information hub.