Marketing Lab

Posted on 08/19/2026

Los Angeles County is launching Marketing Lab, a free, 6-week digital marketing education and training program designed to help small businesses strengthen their online presence, reach more customers, and gain practical tools to grow their digital footprint. In addition to education and training, the program also includes weekly office hours and customized guidance to businesses that 1) operate in LACounty, 2) have fewer than 100 employees and less than $19 million in annual revenue, and 3) can commit to virtually attending all required sessions. 

Marketing Lab offers entrepreneurs two distinct program tracks, each designed to match their business needs and stage of growth. Participants meet virtually for two hours each week, and both tracks are offered at no cost. 

BASIC TRACK — For Businesses New to or in the Early Stages of Digital Marketing 

The Basic Track helps entrepreneurs who are still building their digital marketing foundation—whether the business is new, within its first few years, or hasn’t yet established a strong digital presence. 

Schedule: Cohort 1 (Basic): Tuesdays, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, August 11 – September 15, 2026 Cohort 2 (Basic): Wednesdays, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, August 26–September 30, 2026 

ADVANCED TRACK — For Businesses Seeking to Grow and Already Established Digital Presence 

The Advanced Track is designed for businesses ready to scale. This is optimal for businesses that are already established (typically 3+ years), already have branding in place, have an active website and social media presence, and/or have run paid ads before but want a stronger strategy behind them. 

Schedule: Cohort 1 (Advanced): Thursdays, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, August 13 – September 17, 2026 Cohort 2 (Advanced): Fridays, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, August 21–September 25, 2026 

How to Join

Cohorts run throughout August and September 2026, with multiple program tracks to choose from. To learn more, complete the self-assessment, and enroll in the cohort that fits your business’s stage and needs, visit: shoplocal.la/marketing-lab 

Marketing Lab is funded through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) Technical Assistance Program (TAP) 2025–2026 and is administrated by the Braven Agency.