LOS ANGELES — In the wake of one of the most devastating natural disasters in California history, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts led by the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the State of California. The Governor has enlisted Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President to lead and recruit others to this private sector and philanthropic effort. To seed this new effort, Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation have provided an initial commitment of up to $100 million. With plans to raise additional funds through private donations, LA Rises will provide major resources aimed at helping Los Angeles communities most affected by these catastrophic fires recover and rebuild. LA Rises will marshal the full resources of the private sector, augmenting and amplifying local and state resources, to rebuild Altadena, Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades, and all impacted communities. As part of the unified effort, city and county leaders are crafting recovery plans for their communities. The state is mobilizing its resources and scale, coordinating with the federal government, and removing red tape. LA Rises will galvanize the private sector to unlock additional capital and find new and innovative tools to help communities build back faster and stronger. “Los Angeles will rise again — stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever. Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild. With Mark, Earvin and Casey’s proven leadership and deep commitment to Los Angeles, we’ll tap into the enormous creativity, experience, and resources of the private sector, alongside local, state, and federal efforts, to deliver a recovery that benefits all Angelenos," said Newsom “The LA fires have wreaked havoc on LA’s neighborhoods. It’s time for those with means to come forward and make a positive impact to build back better,” Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter “This is a time for bold action. We’re bringing together the best resources and biggest hearts across California to ensure that every Angeleno — no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood — has a chance to rebuild and thrive. This isn’t just about recovery; it’s about restoring communities while also making them more resilient and better than before,” Earvin “Magic” Johnson “I’ve been a lifelong Angeleno, and what I admire most about this city is its resilience and unity. There’s nothing Los Angeles can’t achieve. LA Rises will channel the unmatched creativity, resources, and generosity of the private sector to rebuild our city and pave the way for a stronger future," said LA 28 President Casey Wasserman “Given the scale and scope of damage and destruction the Eaton wildfire has left in its wake, I wholeheartedly welcome all the support from the state as well as the private sector as part of this initiative. By corralling and coordinating the work of philanthropy and private industry, this can complement our local recovery and rebuilding efforts, especially for our marginalized populations in Altadena who have lost everything. When it comes to supporting initiatives — like this one — that look to arm us with the resources to rebuild with a bottom-up approach, I’m all in,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger “Efforts to rebuild are underway in the City of Los Angeles and this announcement will be a vital component of a comprehensive effort to bring Angelenos home. The number one question on the minds of Angelenos is about recovery and rebuilding. I am grateful that the Governor and the LA Rises initiative will be there to partner with us, developing solutions to support our work. In recent days, the strength and resilience of Los Angeles have been felt throughout the state, the nation and the world. I want to thank the Governor for his continued partnership and his collaboration during this difficult time for our city," said Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass How LA Rises will work LA Rises will contribute through collaboration, access to capital and financial tools, leveraging innovation and private-sector investment to drive a faster recovery. It will support the broader recovery efforts by: Fundraising and expanding access to philanthropic and private capital. Formulating financing strategies to close the gap between available resources and the cost to rebuild Collaborating with other philanthropic and community organizations to maximize the impact of ongoing rebuilding and recovery efforts. Supporting unified communication efforts to arm Angelenos with up-to-date, factual information, timelines for rebuilding, and available resources. In addition to the financial commitment from the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, LA Rises will receive financial support from California Rises, a statewide recovery initiative founded by Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom after the 2018 Camp Fire. A partnership between the Governor’s Office and the California Fire Foundation, California Rises is dedicated to supporting communities impacted by the fires and firefighters and first responders who continue to serve on the frontlines.

Government contracting has always been a competitive space, and with the latest shifts in federal business policies, small businesses—especially those in the Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) and 8(a) programs—are facing new challenges. While changes in priorities and regulations create uncertainty, this is not the time for fear. It’s time to get strategic, double down on business excellence, and become even sharper problem solvers. What’s Changing? Recent executive orders have reshaped the landscape of government contracting, affecting programs that historically provided opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses. Federal agencies and contractors are adjusting policies and procedures to align with the new directives, and the impact is already visible. Larger contractors are revising their commitments and compliance strategies, while smaller firms must determine how to navigate these changes while maintaining their competitive edge. What This Means for Small Disadvantaged Businesses For businesses participating in federal programs like the SBA 8(a) program, these policy shifts mean heightened competition and new regulatory considerations. While some previous initiatives may be scaled back, the demand for strong, capable businesses that can deliver value remains unchanged. Now, more than ever, small businesses must focus on the fundamentals: sound financial management, operational efficiency, and a clear value proposition. How to Strengthen and Protect Your Business 1. Stay Informed and Compliant Regulatory changes can be complex, and misinterpretation can be costly. Ensure that your business stays legally compliant by: Regularly reviewing guidance from the SBA and other relevant agencies. Consulting legal and compliance experts. Engaging with industry and advocacy organizations that monitor policy updates. 2. Reframe and Adapt Your Strategy While certain terms and initiatives may be phased out, the principles behind them—such as talent development, inclusive leadership, and supplier diversity—can still be pursued under different frameworks. Consider: Shifting language from “diversity initiatives” to “workforce development” or “talent pipeline expansion.” Highlighting performance, experience, and problem-solving capabilities as core business strengths. 3. Strengthen Your Financial and Operational Excellence Now is the time to ensure your business is financially sound and operationally strong. Get your financial house in order : Ensure that your books are audit-ready and that your financial reporting is accurate. Optimize business processes : Improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery. Invest in technology : Utilize automation and digital tools to streamline operations and improve productivity. 4. Diversify Your Revenue Streams If your business relies heavily on federal contracts, consider expanding into: State and local government contracts. Private sector partnerships and corporate supplier diversity programs. New service offerings or market segments. Major corporations continue to invest in diverse suppliers, creating opportunities outside of federal contracting. 5. Stay Competitive and Indispensable Excellence is the ultimate differentiator. Focus on delivering high-quality products and services that make your business the best choice—regardless of policy changes. Key strategies include: Pursuing additional certifications like Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and Veteran-Owned Business (VOSB). Sharpening your business development skills and relationship-building efforts. Continuously improving leadership, problem-solving, and innovation within your company. 6. Find Strength in Networks and Partnerships Navigating change is easier when you have support. Engage with business organizations and advocacy groups that provide resources, training, and networking opportunities. Organizations like the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and local business chambers can help position your company for success. The Bottom Line The business landscape is evolving, but successful businesses know how to adapt. While these policy shifts introduce new challenges, they do not eliminate opportunities. This is the time to sharpen your skills, seek new partnerships, and ensure your business stands out for its excellence and problem-solving capabilities. Entrepreneurs in urban communities have always found ways to rise above obstacles. This is another moment to innovate, refine strategies, and build businesses that thrive—regardless of the administration in office. Policies may change, but excellence and resilience endure.

LOS ANGELES, CA – On February 6, 2025, Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE) hosted an online L.A. Wildfire Resource Webinar, providing critical information on insurance, mortgage, and economic relief to individuals and businesses impacted by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. The event was designed to help renters, homeowners, small businesses, and nonprofits navigate financial recovery and understand the available support programs. During the webinar, participants had the opportunity to learn about key aspects of wildfire recovery, including insurance claims, mortgage relief options, and maximizing financial assistance for renters. Experts in the field presented in-depth insights, and attendees were invited to join virtual breakout rooms for personalized discussions with more than 25 specialists in financial recovery and disaster assistance. The event featured distinguished speakers, including Fiona Ma, CPA , California State Treasurer , who shared over 40 financial recovery resources available in the California Wildfire Recovery Guide. This guide is accessible for free from the California State Treasurer’s Office at www.treasurer.ca.gov . Jeff Prang , Los Angeles County Assessor, introduced the Online Disaster Relief Filing for Homeowners, a digital solution that allows property owners affected by wildfires to submit Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) Claims electronically. This tool provides homeowners with a streamlined process to access relief at Los Angeles County Assessor. More information here: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/contact/assessor/3 Additionally, a representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration discussed the SBA Disaster Relief Programs, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which provides financial support for businesses recovering from wildfire damage. More information here: https://lending.sba.gov The program was facilitated by Hyepin Im , Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE) . In addition to Treasurer Ma and County Assessor Prang; the webinar presenters all included Daniel Martinez and Fabien Fernandez, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) ; Amy Bach , United Policy Holders ; Nadia Segura Narvaez , Bet Tzedek ; Jennifer Ceballos Zamora , BMO ; Rick Whitted and Eric Asiedu , First Citizens Bank; Michelle Scott , City National Bank ; Justin Davis , Hanmi Bank ; Maria Austin , Wells Fargo ; Fernando Garces , MidFirst Bank ; Jeff Keeney , Banner Bank ; Fred Lambright , Mechanics Bank and Tamara Theiler , Pacquita Sayles, and Laura Forbes, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The webinar was made possible through the collaboration of various community and financial institutions. First Citizen’s Bank , Hanmi Bank , MidFirst Bank , United Policy Holders , Jewish Federation of Los Angeles (JFEDLA) , BMO , City National Bank , Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity , Wells Fargo , Los Angeles Sentinel , Urban Business Journal, and Bet Tzedek partnered with FACE to deliver this vital information to the public. About Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE) Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE) is committed to increasing the participation, contribution, and influence of the Asian American community through faith-based and community partnerships. By fostering collaboration between private and public sectors, FACE enhances the capacity of faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and other community-focused initiatives. The organization is dedicated to improving access to essential resources, assisting low-income individuals, and revitalizing communities. Through its initiatives, FACE promotes AAPI Advocacy, ensuring Asian American visibility and inclusion in policymaking. The Faith Leadership program equips faith leaders with tools to create lasting community impact. Homeownership Assistance initiatives provide education and resources to first-time homebuyers, while Youth Development programs empower young individuals with leadership training and essential skills. Additionally, FACE actively supports Community Building, fostering healing and collaboration between diverse communities. FACE’s Impact by the Numbers Over the years, FACE has built a strong network of 800+ community partnerships, including collaborations with the White House and Fortune 500 companies. The organiz ation has successfully trained over 5,000 faith leaders in community development, helping more than 12,000 families and individuals move toward homeownership. Through its efforts, FACE has awarded over $400K in sub-grants to faith-based and community organizations, saved $92M in mortgages from foreclosure, and provided $1.8M in down payment assistance and other financial support. As a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency, FACE continues to expand its reach and effectiveness in empowering underserved communities. Those seeking additional information on FACE’s programs and resources can visit www.FACELA.org .

In an era where the lines between profit and purpose are increasingly blurred, businesses that focus on social entrepreneurship are transforming the way we think about community development. These ventures are designed not only to generate revenue but to address societal challenges in innovative ways. One such example is Care Staffing Professionals , a healthcare staffing company that contributes significantly to the social and economic resilience of underserved communities. By focusing on critical needs like healthcare access and job creation, this business model exemplifies how strategic entrepreneurship can build stronger, more resilient communities. Central to this mission is the involvement of the Lampkin Foundation , which helps amplify the social impact through community-focused initiatives and programs. Addressing Healthcare Needs in Underserved Areas Access to healthcare is a fundamental issue that disproportionately affects underserved communities. Many rural or economically disadvantaged regions face persistent shortages in healthcare staff, limiting their ability to provide adequate medical care. Care Staffing Professionals has stepped in to address this gap, providing healthcare facilities with the personnel they need to serve their patients. By supplying these essential workers, the company ensures that even the most vulnerable populations can receive the care they need, contributing to the overall health and stability of these communities. Beyond simply filling vacancies, the company adopts a strategic approach to ensure that its placements align with the needs of each facility and community. By focusing on areas where healthcare is most needed, Care Staffing Professionals helps reduce the disparities that often leave low-income populations with inadequate access to medical services. This approach also improves long-term health outcomes by creating a more stable healthcare infrastructure in areas that traditionally suffer from neglect. In doing so, the company plays a crucial role in fostering community resilience, ensuring that residents have access to consistent, quality healthcare. Economic Empowerment Through Job Creation Another significant way in which Care Staffing Professionals contributes to community resilience is through job creation. Employment is one of the most direct pathways to economic stability, and by creating jobs in the healthcare sector, the company provides individuals with opportunities for financial independence and career growth. Many of the positions offered through Care Staffing Professionals cater to individuals from underserved backgrounds, providing them with meaningful employment that offers not only a steady income but also the chance to develop new skills. These job opportunities are particularly impactful in economically disadvantaged regions where unemployment rates are often high, and career advancement opportunities are limited. By offering stable employment, the company helps lift individuals out of poverty and creates a ripple effect that strengthens the local economy. As more people gain access to steady jobs, local businesses benefit from increased spending power, further contributing to the economic resilience of the community. Additionally, the company prioritizes professional development, ensuring that its employees have access to training and resources that enable them to advance in their careers. This emphasis on growth fosters a cycle of empowerment, where workers are not only filling immediate job needs but are also building long-term careers. This model of job creation and development is key to fostering a resilient workforce that can adapt to changing economic conditions and continue contributing to their communities for years to come. Strengthening Community Ties Through Collaboration Social entrepreneurship often relies on collaboration to maximize its impact, and Care Staffing Professionals is no exception. The company works closely with healthcare providers, local governments, and community organizations to ensure that its efforts are aligned with the needs of the populations it serves. By engaging with stakeholders across various sectors, the company can tailor its services to address specific challenges within each community, whether that involves staffing shortages in hospitals or providing training programs for aspiring healthcare professionals. This collaborative model strengthens the social fabric of the communities served, building trust and cooperation among residents, healthcare providers, and other key stakeholders. As these relationships deepen, the communities become more resilient, better equipped to face future challenges, and more capable of sustaining long-term growth. Building a Sustainable Model for the Future One of the most compelling aspects of social entrepreneurship is its focus on sustainability. Unlike traditional businesses, which may prioritize short-term profits, companies like Care Staffing Professionals build their models around long-term social impact. By addressing healthcare needs and providing stable employment, the company creates a foundation for sustainable growth within underserved communities. The emphasis on sustainability also extends to environmental and social considerations. As healthcare providers become more integrated into these communities, they are better positioned to deliver preventive care, reducing the long-term strain on healthcare systems. Moreover, as residents become more economically empowered, they are more likely to invest in their own communities, fostering local development that benefits future generations. Through its efforts, Care Staffing Professionals demonstrates that social entrepreneurship is not just about addressing immediate needs but about creating the conditions for long-term resilience. This focus on sustainability ensures that the benefits of the company’s work will continue to be felt for years to come, contributing to a healthier, more economically stable future for underserved populations. The Power of Social Entrepreneurship The work of Care Staffing Professionals exemplifies the transformative power of social entrepreneurship. By addressing critical issues like healthcare access and economic empowerment, the company plays a vital role in building resilient communities. Through strategic collaboration, job creation, and a focus on sustainability, this business model offers a roadmap for how companies can make a lasting social impact while remaining financially successful. The involvement of foundations and community-focused initiatives further amplifies this impact, ensuring that community-driven programs remain at the forefront of the company’s mission. Together, these efforts demonstrate that social entrepreneurship is not just about doing good; it’s about creating sustainable, long-term solutions that empower individuals and uplift entire communities.