Two programs offer small businesses and food vendors opportunities to showcase products on a global stage

The City of Long Beach is encouraging local small businesses to take advantage of two new opportunities to be a part of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Through the LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic and Made for Two Eight programs, eligible businesses can showcase their products and culinary offerings to a global audience.

“As we prepare to welcome the world in 2028, we’re focused on making sure our local businesses have opportunities to be a part of this historic moment,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Long Beach is home to an incredible community of entrepreneurs, artists, and small business owners whose creativity and innovation define our city. These programs present exciting opportunities to showcase their talents, support local economic growth, and create meaningful opportunities that extend beyond the Games.”

LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic Program

Local restaurants, food trucks and mobile food vendors can get involved in LA28 through the LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic Program, which will bring the region’s diverse culinary offerings directly to Games venues. The program will create opportunities for food trucks, food carts, festival-style pop-ups and other mobile vendors to operate within competition venue zones and non-competition venues, highlighting the flavors and cultures that make the Los Angeles region a world-class culinary destination.

The program welcomes applicants from a wide range of local food businesses from food trucks to brick-and-mortar restaurants to caterers and producers of packaged consumer goods. Businesses at varying stages and operating capacities are encouraged to apply as the program will support a broad range of proprietors who are interested in, or capable of operating within various venue zones, operating periods and service formats.

In addition, LA28 and its partners will provide participating vendors with mentorship, resources and tools to help prepare for large-scale operations and support long-term business growth. Assistance will focus on areas such as scaling production, financial planning, insurance, permitting, inventory management, staffing and logistics.

The program is designed to create meaningful pathways for small and micro food businesses to participate in the Games to ensure that visitors experience the rich culinary diversity of the region. The program marks the first time in Olympic and Paralympic Games history that such a broad range of local businesses will play a central role in the Games food and beverage strategy. Across the Games as a whole, the broader food and beverage operation is expected to deliver more than 17 million meals.

Interested business owners are encouraged to review the program requirements and submit an application by Nov. 16, 2026.

Made for Two Eight

The Made for Two Eight program offers small businesses across Los Angeles County the opportunity to become official LA28 licensees, allowing them to create and sell merchandise featuring approved LA28 branding and intellectual property. The program aims to showcase the region’s distinctive identity through a variety of products created by local makers, artisans and manufacturers.

Selected businesses will be authorized to sell approved merchandise during the licensing period, anticipated to begin approximately one year before the Olympic Games and continue through the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in August 2028.

To qualify for a license, businesses must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Products must be manufactured or created at a physical facility within Los Angeles County, with priority given to businesses located in the City of Los Angeles.
• Businesses are encouraged to source materials from within Los Angeles County, with preference given to products made entirely locally sourced materials, when feasible. Additional priority will be given to materials sourced within the City of Los Angeles.
• Applicants must qualify as a small business under U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards.

Applications are available at RAMPLA.org and will remain open through February 2027. LA28 will review applications to verify eligibility and select licensees, with awardees expected to be announced in July 2027.

With millions of visitors anticipated for the Games, the program offers local businesses a unique opportunity to expand their reach, gain international exposure and showcase products during one of the world’s largest sporting events.

To stay up to date with City of Long Beach’s preparations for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, visit longbeach.gov/2028games. The webpage currently features an interactive venue map with details about sporting events in Long Beach, a sign up form to stay connected, and community FAQs available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, among other details. As opportunities become available, the page will also highlight upcoming community meetings, volunteer roles and other ways to get involved.

Hosted by the City of Los Angeles, the 2028 Games will take place July 14 through Aug. 27, 2028. More information is available at LA28.org. To learn about programs and resources for small businesses in Long Beach, those interested can visit the Department of Economic Development & Opportunity’s website or contact the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249).