Businesses Encouraged to Provide Workspace for Employees Forced to Work Remotely
Los Angeles County Offers Support to Displaced Businesses
In response to the recent surge of "smash-and-grab" robberies and the devastating impact of wildfires on local businesses, Los Angeles County is taking action to help businesses maintain operations and safeguard livelihoods.
Supervisor Janice Hahn has requested a briefing from law enforcement on how they plan to address the rise in thefts, while also urging businesses to offer temporary workspaces to those displaced by wildfires. This call to action comes after Supervisor Hahn was inspired by Whittier Councilwoman Cathy Warner, who wanted to offer her periodontal practice space to those affected by wildfires.
To assist displaced businesses, Los Angeles County has facilitated business-to-business workspace sharing and support primarily through emergency resources and coworking or shared office space providers. The County's Internal Services Department (ISD) plays a crucial role in this effort, powering a user-friendly platform called the Business-to-Business Space Share portal.
Through this portal, businesses with available space can post listings with details such as location, capacity, and availability. Displaced businesses can then browse these listings to find spaces that best meet their needs. It's important to note that the County does not participate in or oversee the terms of any agreements made as a result.
The Business-to-Business Space Share platform is a critical resource in helping displaced businesses maintain operations, safeguard livelihoods, and drive economic resiliency. The platform, launched by the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) on January 23, 2025, will be available for a limited time as part of a coordinated County effort to support the economic ecosystem affected by the disasters.
In addition to the Business-to-Business Space Share portal, several other avenues exist for businesses to donate workspace or find temporary workspaces for displaced businesses. These include coworking and flexible office space providers such as Spaces, WeWork, Barrister Suites, and CTRL Collective, all of which offer private desks, shared offices, conference rooms, and fully serviced spaces on flexible terms.
To donate workspace or find temporary workspaces for displaced businesses, businesses or landlords can contact LA County emergency services to register their space for the Business to Business Space Share program. Alternatively, they can reach out directly to coworking providers who may have initiatives or availability to support displaced businesses. Volunteering or donating monetary contributions through Emergency Network Los Angeles helps maintain coordination of space sharing and recovery efforts.
For more information, interested businesses can visit the Business-to-Business Space Share portal at this link. It's a small step towards helping our local businesses get back on their feet and rebuild their communities.
- The Business-to-Business Space Share platform, launched by the Department of Economic Opportunity, provides a user-friendly interface for nonprofit organizations, small-businesses, and entrepreneurs to donate or find temporary workspace for displaced businesses.
- In response to the impact of wildfires and increased thefts on local businesses, Los Angeles County has facilitated events like the Business-to-Business Space Share program, which connects displaced businesses with available workspaces from other organizations in the community.
- As part of the County's effort to support the economic ecosystem, various coworking providers such as Spaces, WeWork, Barrister Suites, and CTRL Collective have also been offering private desks, shared offices, and fully serviced spaces on flexible terms for displaced businesses in need of temporary workplaces.
