Connecting Local Entrepreneurs to Resources That Matter
As the academic year opens, OBO is focused on one objective: effective support for small and local firms navigating constraints like meeting demand, protecting margins, and maintaining visibility in fragmented markets. Our approach is practical and proximate: connect businesses to USC’s Civic Engagement Small Business Ecosystem, deliver supplier-readiness tools that align capacity with buyer standards, and build pathways that convert relationships into durable networks and revenue.
This season, we’re concentrating on the levers that matter most—disciplined growth curricula in our accelerators, targeted Trojan Shop Local visibility that drives customer traffic, and executive leadership development that turns strategy into effective infrastructure, accountable teams, and financial discipline. Your outcomes remain the measure of our work. Business Forward isn’t a slogan; it’s a standard of clear goals, measurable results, and an ecosystem designed to compound advantage. Thank you for the trust you place in us as a reliable and expert community partner and resource. Let’s continue to move Business Forward together!
FIGHT ON!
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Cultural Insight as a Catalyst for Growth
On September 25, USC Civic Engagement—partnering with the Wurwand Foundation—hosted Emotional Intelligence: Leading with Culture, moderated by Dr. Michèle G. Turner (AVP, USC Office of Business Opportunity). After welcoming remarks by USC Civic Engagement Vice President Effie Turnbull Sanders, panelists Dr. Sarah Townsend (Professor and Vice Dean, USC Marshall), Catarah Coleman (Co-founder, Southern Girl Desserts), Roberto Martinez (CEO, The Braven Agency), and Pamela Clay (Executive Director, Living Advantage) reframed culture not as sentiment but as a critical business driver.
The conversation illuminated how cultural frameworks—often treated as intangible—operate as assets that translate into measurable outcomes: customer loyalty, market distinction, and organizational resilience. The panel showed that centering authenticity in day-to-day practice is an efficiency that strengthens retention, client service, and impacts return on investment.
Thanks to our experts and to everyone who attended! We look forward to bringing the next event centered on small business innovation and competitive advantage to you soon!
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TSL Pop-Up at Late Night SC and
Campus Upstairs Restaurant
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Our Trojan Shop Local vendors shined at USC’s Late Night SC event on September 25. MX3030 Mexican Food, Cakes by Chante Desserts, and Fryday Gourmet French Fries provided catering for nearly 1,000 students between 8pm–11pm. The night was a celebration of student life and small business visibility, and generated excitement for future campus collaborations.
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October 6-8, 1st Street Tacos & Grill anchored a Trojan Shop Local pop-up at The Upstairs Restaurant, serving almost 600 meals. Co-promotion with USC Hospitality amplified reach via the USC website, email, and venue screens across dining locations.
Follow Trojan Shop Local on Instagram featuring business promo reels and stories! Stay tuned for more pop-up events and seasonal campaigns that spotlight the excellence of our Trojan Shop Local businesses!
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Welcome, Fall Bridges to Business Cohort!
We’re excited to welcome the Fall 2025 Bridges to Business cohort—27 small and local businesses from across L.A. County. Together, these firms account for more than $8.5 million in annual revenue and 100+ jobs, with a median six years in operation (spanning from early-stage ventures to an 81-year legacy enterprise). This cohort reflects the region’s entrepreneurial depth and staying power.
The Bridges program is a USC-designed curriculum built for strategic growth and scale. The objective is straightforward—expand market access, increase profitability, and strengthen operational resilience—so that firms are contract-ready and competitive for opportunities across the region. We look forward to advancing next stage growth through evidence-based and best practice tools, expert USC curriculum content and advisement, and a USC network built for results. |
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Join the Los Angeles Chamber on Thursday, November 6, for the annual Procurement Fair. It’s a valuable opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs to explore upcoming contracting opportunities tied to major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and major private and public contractors in Los Angeles.
Panel Discussion: This event will feature remarks from local leaders, panel discussions with key industry stakeholders, and networking opportunities.
Matchmaking: Pre-screened and pre-scheduled one on one meetings connecting Suppliers with Buyers/Contractors. SUPPLIERS: You must attend a mandatory training to be eligible for matchmaking appointments!
Exhibit Hall: Small business resources and breakout sessions.
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Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games will exclusively post all procurement opportunities on the RAMP platform. If you’re already registered, please review your company profile to ensure it includes the appropriate North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes that reflect the goods or services your business provides. Without these, you may not receive notifications when relevant opportunities are published. You may add up to nine NAICS codes to your profile.
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Trojan Shop Local Directory
If you are interested in inclusion in our Trojan Shop Local program, please fill out the TSL Interest Form. Doing so does not guarantee inclusion in the directory, a contract or obligation, but does allow us to know more about your business for consideration.
Trojan Shop Local Directory Interest Form
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USC Supplier Interest Form
If you are interested in being considered for future USC business, please fill out the USC Supplier Interest Form located on our website under "Doing Business with USC." Form submission does not guarantee a contract or obligation, but does allow us to know more about your business per future bid opportunities.
OBO Website (and Supplier Interest Form):
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