Coalition Organizing

Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) created the Small Business Alliance (SBA) as a space for storytelling, organizing, leadership development, and collective problem-solving among small business owners. In 2024, the SBA grew out of SAJE’s know-your-rights canvassing and outreach efforts in South Central Los Angeles, and over time, it has become a trusted space where commercial tenant small business owners discuss the challenges they face, including rising rents, harassment, displacement pressures, and the lack of commercial tenant protections.

The SBA focuses on three key objectives:

  1. Advocating for stronger commercial tenant protections by developing and leading strategic campaigns that advance meaningful safeguards for commercial tenants who own small businesses.

  2. Building self-confidence and strengthening leadership skills among small business owners through targeted training that increases their understanding of and access to city resources.

  3. Providing technical assistance and resource navigation to small business owners. This includes support with business permit renewals, compliance requirements, and connections to trusted legal service providers. 

For more information, or to join the Small Business Alliance, contact Karen Ramirez, SAJE program manager, at (213) 245-8161 or karamirez@saje.net or visit www.saje.net.