LAWA hosts outreach event for small business opportunities at LAX

Airports

John Ackerman Chief Executive Officer Los Angeles World Airports | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

May 16, 2024

More than 150 representatives from small and local businesses attended a recent outreach and networking event hosted by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with LAWA staff, concessionaires, airport partners, and industry leaders to explore business prospects at one of the world's busiest airports.

Speakers at the event included notable figures such as Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners President Karim Webb, LAWA Chief Executive Officer John Ackerman, Deputy Executive Director Dave Jones, and other LAWA staff. They presented an overview of available concession opportunities and emphasized the department's dedication to fostering a diverse pool of local and small businesses.

In preparation for the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, LAWA anticipates offering over $100 million in concessions contracts. Additionally, more than $125 million will be allocated for constructing concession spaces, potentially creating around 450 jobs. These opportunities aim to support new developments at LAX facilities like Terminal 4, the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal, among others.

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Attendees were briefed on LAWA's business opportunity programs and guided through the City of Los Angeles' contracting requirements. This included insights into the City's Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certification program as well as its RAMPLA and Bonfire contracting platforms.

Representatives from Merriwether & Williams provided information about their assistance program designed to help businesses meet bonding requirements. Meanwhile, the LAWA-sponsored Airport Minority Advisory Council's (AMAC) Los Angeles Regional Chapter offered guidance on connecting businesses with additional resources.

For those interested in future contracting opportunities with LAWA, more information can be found on their website or by signing up for updates on RAMPLA and Bonfire platforms.