Trojan Shop Local

From vendor spotlights and USC community events to collaborations and unforgettable moments, Trojan Shop Local is proud to have connected with so many local businesses.

This year, Trojan Shop Local was all about celebrating and highlighting the entrepreneurs who make the USC and greater LA community so special❤️💛.

Here’s a highlight of some of our favorite events and businesses from this year!

To another year of shopping local & fighting on ✌️

Looking for something fun for you and your friends or a day with your family? Kick it at Earle’s On Crenshaw for Hot Cakes & Hot Rods!

March 8th! Mark your Calendars. Free for All.

The USC ACCESSC Small Business Summit ’26 is an annual one-day, leadership-level convening for small and local business owners who want to sharpen their competitive advantage in an increasingly complex economic environment. Hosted by USC, ACCESSC ‘26 is designed to help business leaders move beyond short term decision-making by providing clarity on economic signals, operational discipline, and growth strategies that endure across cycles.

Participants will gain a Los Angeles–specific economic outlook from USC and regional economic leaders, offering insight into the forces shaping labor markets, capital access, and sector demand. The Summit will also examine how artificial intelligence can be used as small business infrastructure—embedded into finance, workforce, and customer systems—to improve ex*****on and visibility, with practical guidance from The ACTONE Group. Research-based frameworks for sustained growth, presented by Dr. Gary Kunkle, University of Wisconsin EDA University Center, will equip leaders with disciplined approaches to performance consistency and scale.

As an anchor institution, USC convenes ACCESSC ‘26 to connect insight with opportunity—linking business leaders to institutional pathways, supplier-development programs, and long-term partnerships that support growth beyond a single event. ACCESSC ‘26 is designed for business owners ready to strengthen how they compete, lead, and grow!

SIGN UP LINK ON STORY AND IN BIO!

Deck the halls & fill those stocking stuffers with gifts of appreciation this holiday season ✨🎁
Support small, shop local, and discover the unique businesses that make our community shine.

Want to see your business featured and connect with Trojan shoppers? Become a Trojan Shop Local business and join a network that champions local excellence.

Trojan Shop Local’s Holiday Guide includes different business

Last week, Trojan Shop Local attended the Los Angeles Urban League’s State of Black Los Angeles 2025—a powerful day of conversation, connection, and community impact. We heard from incredible leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass and USC’s own Dr. LaVonna Blair Lewis, on how partnerships, entrepreneurship, and advocacy can transform Los Angeles for the better.

With an initiative to continue uplifting small businesses, we’re inspired to continue bridging community and commerce right here in L.A. ❤️

🚨 Calling all small business owners and entrepreneurs! 🚨

Join us for the AccesSC Small Business Summit ‘25 at USC! This is your chance to connect, learn, and grow with industry leaders, resource partners, and fellow entrepreneurs. 💼

📅 Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
⏰ When: 8:30 AM - 12 PM (Panels) | 12 - 2 PM (Networking)
📍 Where: Ronald Tutor Campus Center Ballroom, USC

What to expect:
✅ Inspiring keynote & expert panels
✅ Networking with over 20 business resource partners
✅ Contract readiness workshop & funding opportunities

🔗 **Register now:** bit.ly/USC-accessc-summit2025

Let’s build resilience and achieve excellence together! 💡🚀

Stay informed and stay prepared! Trojan Shop Local is here to support our community during challenging times. From wildfire evacuation centers to animal care resources, we’ve compiled vital information to help those affected in LA County. Together, we rise stronger. 💛✨

📍 Swipe through to find resources near you!