VOICE Spring/Summer 2016 · VOLUME X · ISSUE 1
A publication of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Bixel Exchange celebrates three years of strengthening Los Angeles’ tech sector BIXEL EXCHANGE CELEBRATES OUR
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The Los Angeles region has been a hub of innovation and commerce since its earliest days. But as recently as five years ago, the City − known for its bright lights and big screens -- was still very much in the shadows of Silicon Valley when it came to technology. Recognizing the resources needed to support the growth of a more robust technology sector in the L.A. region, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce used its business, government and community leadership to develop a plan to help the growing technology economy. The Chamber, which has played a role in developing new industries and supporting innovators for more than 128 years, partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network to form a new technology center: Bixel Exchange.
Hosted at the Chamber, Bixel Exchange envisions a thriving and inclusive economy that enables Angelenos to pursue their ambitions and prosper. Offerings include initiatives and events that ignite creativity, empower entrepreneurs and cultivate talent to strengthen the tech ecosystem, and create a more prosperous L.A. Today, the region boasts a vibrant and diverse tech sector with startups, companies, universities, think tanks, venture capitalists and incubators, all working to grow the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. So, how has the Chamber's technology center helped drive L.A.’s tech sector over the past three years? Building entrepreneurs and businesses Bixel Exchange serves entrepreneurs through its specialized Startup Development Program, and through collaboration with accelerators, incubators, co-working spaces, venture capitalists, angel investors and private equity firms, universities, research institutions, innovation labs and government. Through these partnerships with corporate and civic organizations throughout
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Powering our economy through small business success
L.A., the center connects technology businesses with mentors and business advisors to get them the “I-wish-I’d-known” insights they need to grow.
Earlier this summer, more than 500 people gathered at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City to recognize the power of small business at the 2016 Small Business Awards, hosted by the Chamber and the Small Business Administration.
Bixel Exchange focuses on advising ventures that are within the rapidly evolving segments of the tech ecosystem, including — but not limited to — e-commerce, adtech, cleantech, digital media, gaming, mobile and social media, among many others.
Small businesses account for the vast majority of U.S. job growth in recent years, and California's 3.5 million small businesses employ more than half of the private sector workforce.
The Startup Development Program works with more than 200 startups each year, connecting them to mentors and resources to help them succeed.
Congratulations to this year's Small Business Award winners who exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of the L.A. region!
Nurturing regional talent The Tech Ed Partnerships program connects schools and colleges to local technology companies through career enrichment activities for youth and young adults. To accomplish this goal, Bixel Exchange serves a critical role, reaching out to industry leaders and developing volunteer opportunities that contextualize student learning experiences and nurture their tech career aspirations. These opportunities include company tours, hackathons, classroom visits, mentorships, internships and professional development for students and educators.
SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
OMAR RODRIGUEZ X-IGENT Printing, Inc.
Travis Mack
In March 2015, President Obama launched TechHire, a national initiative to develop city and regional strategies to train the workforce for high-paying jobs in the tech industry. Under Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's leadership, the Los Angeles High Impact Information Technology, Entertainment & Entrepreneurship, and Communications Hubs (LA HI-TECH) regional consortium was recognized as one of the first 20 programs working toward fulfilling the President's call to action.
Saalex Solutions, Inc. 8(A) Graduate of the Year
Prime Aerotech International, Inc.
Jeffrey Tedja, President Small Business Exporter of the Year
Women's Economic Ventures (WEV)
Since launching Tech Ed Partnerships, Bixel Exchange has partnered with eight community colleges and 30 high schools through LA HI-TECH. To date, the program has served more than 1,350 students and educators, and engaged 40 companies and government agencies, including Snapchat, Riot Games, Dollar Shave Club, Rubicon Project, IBM, CGI, City of Los Angeles Information Technology Agency and many others.
Leah Gonzales, Director Women’s Business Center of Excellence
Chet Seto
CJSeto Support Services, LLC Veteran Business Champion of the Year
Connecting tech leaders to civic innovation projects Bixel Exchange has joined up tech leaders to civic innovation projects with the city of L.A. and connected tech community volunteers to opportunities to help solve some of region's most difficult challenges.
Teri Kelsall
The Jonas Project Women in Business Champion of the Year
To learn more about Bixel Exchange, visit bixelexchange.com.
Tail Lights, Inc.
Sami Gros, CEO Innovation Through Technology Business of the Year
University of La Verne, SBDC Sean Snider, Director SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award
Ventura Transit System, Inc. Masood Babaeian, CEO Family Owned Business of the Year
Mark Morales
Homestreet Bank Financial Services Champion of the Year
Bianca Vobecky
Vobecky Enterprises Minority Small Business Champion of the Year
For more photos from the event, visit lachamber.com.
Members can change lives and shape our workforce
Offer an internship today F
or 10 years, the Chamber has helped thousands of youth throughout Los Angeles find jobs through its L.A. Youth at Work program. This year, the Chamber is making a special push to encourage businesses to commit to offering internships. Zulma Ramos, a student who participated in the L.A. Youth at Work programs noted, “L.A. Youth at Work is partnering up with great companies that are willing to give us a chance to develop skills that are essential to be considered a competitive candidate when applying to a job.I just had an internship where I got to get my
feet wet, and see what it is like to work in a corporate environment." Through internships, young people experience not only the excitement of a new job, but also build their resume and marketable skills. An internship is often the first step on the road to meaningful employment, and can help young people develop skills like leadership, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Internships also benefit businesses by expanding their workforce capacity and building a pipeline for future
Follow the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce on
employees. Shape your future workforce by giving young people the opportunity to earn and learn. One internship can make a difference. Learn more at LAYouthAtWork.org/employers or contact Maria Dolores Nieto, mnieto@lachamber.com or 213.580.7599.
and at lachamber.com.