Councilwoman Heather Hutt Announces Grant to Empower Black Businesses Before 2028 Olympics
LOS ANGELES, CA – In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at driving economic empowerment and equity, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt of Council District 10, is teaming up with Operation HOPE to launch a $1.25 million scholarship grant that will support Black-owned businesses across the district. This powerful announcement was made on Friday, May 9, 2025, during a press event that highlighted the ongoing mission to uplift local entrepreneurs and strengthen community wealth in preparation of the 2028 Olympics and 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The initiative is part of the nationally recognized One Million Black Businesses (1MBB) program spearheaded by John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE. Councilwoman Hutt and Bryant came together to unveil the partnership and meet with Leimert Park business owners and recipients of the 1MBB scholarship—marking a pivotal moment for economic inclusion in Los Angeles.
“As Los Angeles prepares for global spotlight events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympic Games, this is our moment to ensure Black-owned businesses have the tools and opportunities to thrive,” said Councilwoman Heather Hutt. “This investment is more than a grant—it’s a commitment to equity, sustainability, and long-term community prosperity.”
The $1.25 million grant will provide crucial support in the form of training, technical assistance, and access to resources that are often barriers to success for underserved entrepreneurs. Through this effort, Councilwoman Hutt aims to create a thriving ecosystem for Black-owned businesses in Leimert Park and the larger 10th District in Los Angeles.
The One Million Black Businesses (1MBB) initiative offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to help entrepreneurs at every stage—from startup to scale-up. Program highlights include:
- Dedicated Mentorship from seasoned professionals
- Empowering Webinars with practical business insights
- Small Business Development Workshops for skill-building and growth
- 1:1 Personalized Coaching for customized guidance
- Exclusive Shopify Discount – only $1 for the first six months
- Access to Capital Resources to support funding readiness
These no-cost offerings are designed to break down systemic barriers and give Black entrepreneurs a fair shot at success in the competitive business landscape.
“Economic equity is the civil rights issue of our time,” said John Hope Bryant. “Through this partnership with Councilwoman Hutt, we are expanding opportunity, hope, and ownership to those who have long been left behind.”
This bold collaboration is expected to have lasting impacts as Los Angeles gears up for some of the most high-profile international events of the decade. By investing in Black-owned businesses today, Councilwoman Hutt and Operation HOPE are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, prosperous future for Black Angeleno’s.
For more information about how to get involved in the 1MBB initiative, visit https://www.operationhope.org/1mbb.
