Glendale Shows Ongoing Support for Small Businesses at 3rd Annual ‘Let’s Grow Glendale!’ Summit

For Immediate Release
May 12, 2025

Economic Development Contact: Jennifer Coronado
Email: JCoronado@GlendaleCA.gov
Phone: (818) 548-2005

City Media Contact: Communications and Community Relations
Email: Communications@GlendaleCA.gov
Phone: (818) 548-3342

Glendale Shows Ongoing Support for Small Businesses at 3rd Annual 'Let's Grow Glendale!' Summit

Glendale, CA - Underscoring the immense need for small business support, the City of Glendale welcomed over 500 registered attendees to its annual Small Business Summit "Let's Grow Glendale!" held on May 1st at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Glendale.

Now in its third year, the event featured expert-led presentations and nearly 40 exhibitors from industries such as banking, marketing, and legal services, to name a few. Attendees also benefited from many networking opportunities throughout the day, including a closing celebration designed to foster connections and collaboration among the entrepreneurs in attendance.

"You bring jobs. You bring innovation. You bring hope. You bring goods, services, great meals, and great products. You're more than storefronts," said Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, emphasizing the importance of small businesses during his opening remarks.

In her remarks, Glendale Councilmember Elen Asatryan noted economic development and creating efficiencies are two of the City's four strategic priority areas. "The real work is ensuring you can access capital when needed and open your doors without endless delays. That's exactly why economic development and creating efficiencies are two of our city's four priority areas."

"We're already seeing the results: faster timelines, cleaner processes, better access, and a culture that puts people before paperwork," she said. "We see you. We fight for you. We want your input on how we can make things better, and we're not done finding new ways to support and partner with you. Thank you for believing in Glendale because Glendale believes in you."

Summit breakout sessions tailored for small businesses provided attendees with valuable resources and information. Sessions included Funding Your Future: How to Secure Capital for Your Business; Marketing an Autopilot: How AI Can Drive Leads and Boost Sales; The Profit Playbook: Strategies for Growth & Long-Term Success; and Certified for Success: Winning 6 & 7-Figure Government Contracts.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Administrator Steven Snow also addressed attendees at the Summit's opening. "I want to honor the resiliency of our local small business community," he said, noting that small businesses are responsible for 40% of the country's economic output and two-thirds of net new jobs. "We know you have been tested in many ways and SBA programs and resources are here to help you recover and build back strong."

Important to the success of the "Let's Grow Glendale" Summit were its Gold Sponsors: L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger's Office, PDC Glendale Community College, Box City and Kaiser Permanente.

For those who couldn't join or for attendees who want to relive the summit - a recap video is now available. It captures the collaboration, insights and energy that defined this year's Small Business Summit. Click here to view the video. Click here to access the image gallery.

In addition to the Small Business Summit, the City of Glendale offers a range of resources to support its small business community, including a no-cost Human Resources Hotline, free business resource webinars, and a step-by-step guide to doing business in the city.

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About Economic Development: Glendale is one of the largest cities in Los Angeles County, with a population nearly 200,000. Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and a bustling downtown that is home to many corporate headquarters and tech giants, two first-class regional shopping malls, and a walkable Arts & Entertainment District with endless fine dining opportunities. Visit ChooseGlendaleCA.com for more information about Economic Development in Glendale or connect on X, Instagram, and Facebook @ChooseGlendale.

About Glendale: Known as the "Jewel City," Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of more than 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks, and easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking.