LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Recovery Roadmaps –– a program to help small and medium-sized manufacturers in Los Angeles navigate the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Los Angeles is a manufacturing capital –– and with COVID-19 dealing a devastating blow to this vital sector, we have to equip our small manufacturers with the tools and resources required to come back stronger than ever,” said Mayor Garcetti. “So many factories used their assembly lines to deliver masks, gowns, and personal protective equipment to workers on the front lines of this pandemic, and Recovery Roadmaps will help these essential businesses navigate our new reality and weather these unprecedented times.”
Recovery Roadmaps is working with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) to provide participating manufacturers with individualized plans to help them adapt to the current economic climate. This initiative seeks to assist 3,500 small and medium-sized manufacturers in the Los Angeles region by September 30, 2021.
Each customized roadmap will supply business owners with recommendations and resources to assist in the recovery COVID-19. These blueprints can include support in the following areas: Business Continuity and Workforce Planning; Workplace Safety; Marketing; Acquiring PPE; Market Diversification; Local Supplier Matching & Scouting; and Risk Management.
“We are excited to partner with the City to get manufacturers the help they need to navigate these difficult economic conditions,” said Jim Watson, President of CMTC. “With the City’s help, I know we will reach the small and medium-sized manufacturers who are in the most need of these Recovery Roadmaps.”
The City is also leveraging its network of Business Source Centers to connect manufacturers to the Recovery Roadmaps program. Any manufacturer in the Los Angeles area with fewer than 500 employees is eligible to participate, and interested businesses can sign up or learn more here.
Beyond the individualized plans, the Recovery Roadmaps effort will seek to highlight specific sectors within the local manufacturing community through a “pitch fest” to connect small business owners with new clients.
“The Recovery Roadmap program has been integral in providing invaluable support, guidance and up-to-date information, as our organization continues to navigate the hardships brought on by the pandemic,” said Arthur Djahani, CEO, Armenco Catering Truck Manufacturing Co. “CMTC and the City’s assistance has enabled us to quickly comply with local health orders, obtain new contracts outside our usual business and retain and reinstate employees. Because of CMTC’s efforts, we are very confident that our more than 40-year-old business will continue to operate and contribute to the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the state of California. We recommend working with CMTC and signing up for their Recovery Roadmap Program.”
California Manufacturing Technology Consultants (CMTC)
Established in 1992, CMTC is a private non-profit corporation that provides consulting services to small and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the state of California. CMTC operates as part of a National Network through a cooperative agreement between the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership of the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the Department of Commerce for the State of California. With the support of its statewide partners, CMTC works with manufacturers to help increase their productivity and global competitiveness.
Business Source Centers
The City of Los Angeles operates nine Business Source Centers across the City. These centers provide technical assistance, loan preparation, lending, and business courses to small business owners.
