Los Angeles program helps small businesses compete by boosting online presence KABC Share: LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Small businesses throughout Los Angeles have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city of Los Angeles is working to help them survive and compete with larger companies by boosting their online profile. The city last year launched LA Optimized, which aims to help small businesses adapt to rapidly changing consumer behavior and technological advances. Priority will be given to brick-and-mortar establishments in low income communities with a goal of helping 1,000 local small businesses develop a clear online strategy. What was once an option - a digital solution to market and grow a business - is now required to survive.