For Businesses

Learn about the benefits of Eat Shop Play for businesses.

Metro is building new transit connections — rail projects, bus rapid transit, and bike lanes — that have the potential to bring new visitors and customers to local businesses. Eat Shop Play supports local businesses throughout construction by providing:

Virtual marketing webinars that train and upskill business owners for a changing economic landscape (with options for flexible, multilingual learning)
One-on-one coaching sessions that help business owners set and work toward professional goals
Professional onsite photo / video shoots (on a case-by-base basis as opportunities arise)
Additional promotion in print and digital campaigns (as opportunities arise)

Enrolling and participation in Eat Shop Play is FREE to local businesses within a quarter mile of select project alignments. There are no strings attached, ever!

Already enrolled in Eat Shop Play? Interested in enrolling?

How Businesses Can Prepare For The Grand Opening Of The D Line Section 1

Section 1 of the D Line Subway Extension will open on May 8, adding three new stations to Metro’s rail system: Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega. These stations are projected to bring thousands of new riders to the Wilshire corridor every day!

Is your business located near the subway extension? If so, here’s how you can prepare!

Update your Google Business Profile (GBP): This powerful tool puts key information like business hours, location, reviews, photos and more all in one place.

Check your listings on Yelp and Apple Maps: Even if Google is accurate, make sure your hours and location are up to date on these apps so customers know when and where to visit.

Add directions to your website: Does your website include directions? Make sure to mention the new subway, the closest station to your business, and how customers can reach your door.

Post about the opening on social media: Let your customers know about the D Line’s opening celebrations and the enhanced transportation options.

Join the celebration: Consider offering customers a temporary discount or promotion in honor of the subway’s grand opening.

Stay tuned for updates!

Upcoming Eat Shop Play Webinar

Create Eye-Catching Graphics in Canva

Friday, April 24, 2026
9:00-9:45 a.m. (followed by Q&A)

Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design platform that helps you create professional-looking graphics in minutes … without expensive software or design experience. Millions of business owners use it to design menus, flyers, social media posts, logos, and more.

In this webinar, we’ll walk you through Canva’s editor and show you how to upload photos, customize templates, swap fonts, and add text effects. You’ll also learn how to create a simple announcement graphic you can use to promote sales, events, and special offers.

To register via phone, please call (323) 741-2917

Upcoming Webinars

May 29, 2026, 9am – Create Videos with your Photos on Canva
Jul 31, 2026, 9am – Make your Website Work for You
Aug 28, 2026, 9am – Delivery Apps 101
Sep 25, 2026, 9am – Five-star Habits on Google, Yelp, and Maps
Oct 30, 2026, 9am – How to Plan an Effective Campaign for Small Business Saturday
Nov 20, 2026, 9am – Introduction to WhatsApp Business
Dec 11, 2026, 9am – New Year, New Goals! Your 2027 Marketing Checklist

Past Webinars

Curious to see what kinds of topics we’ve covered? Scroll through the videos below to learn more, as well as some tips and tricks you can put into action today!

Recent Webinar Topics Covered

Below is a selection of topics that our webinars have covered. If you’re interested in learning more, enroll today!

Introduction to the Google Merchant Center
Introduction to Social Media Marketing
Content that Clicks: What to Say, Show & Share on Social Media
Use YouTube to Grow Your Business: Tips from a Google Expert
Website Foundations: Build and Improve with Confidence
Browsers into Buyers: Turn Visitors into Customers
Getting Started with Google Analytics
Make Your Business Easy to Find on Google
How Customers Find Your Business on Yelp, Apple Maps, and More

What Business Owners Say About Us

"We’re not in the business of doing social media – we’re running a whole business with a small team, wearing a million hats. Social media is just one more thing on the list, so we need it to be easy. That’s why the Accelerate workshops are so helpful. Things are always changing, and even if you think you’ve got it down, there’s always something new to learn. It’s free info – why wouldn’t you take advantage of it?"

“The workshop was very impressive and I learned a lot. We’re about to re-open our corner restaurant right next to the Wilshire/La Cienega station, so we want to be involved in a big way!”

“The workshop was very informative. It made me want to sign up for a 1-on-1 consultation!”

“I went into my coaching session with high expectations. Running a business is hard work – and I didn’t want to waste any time. The session was 100% worth it. I came out of it with a much better grasp of the pros and cons of various social media platforms and which make the most sense for my business.”

"I’d definitely recommend the one-on-one! The marketing coach pointed out easy ways I could improve my brand that I hadn’t ever thought of before."

"I’ve had two coaching sessions and they both surpassed my expectations. The marketing expert did a great job of identifying places to improve on our website and then building on his findings in the next session."

Frequently Asked Questions

What do we offer?

Eat Shop Play helps small business owners increase their visibility through free digital marketing webinars designed to elevate their online presence. Enrolled businesses will gain valuable insights through free tips, tricks, and tools provided by experts and industry leaders. Registered businesses can also be featured in Metro’s local marketing campaigns, including banners, e-blasts, and social media promotions.

How much does it cost to join the program?

The program is free to participating businesses.

Who is eligible to join Eat Shop Play?

Businesses must be businesses that provide a product, experience, or service. Schools, religious institutions, and government agencies are not eligible. Qualifying businesses fall into three general categories:

Eat: Restaurants, cafes, coffee-shops, catering businesses, and pubs that serve food. Bars that do not serve food are not eligible.
Shop: Retail shops as well as services such as salons, mechanics, and professional services.
Play: Museums, arcades, and fitness, recreation, and subscription-based spaces such as co-working spaces or social clubs.
The following business types are excluded from participation: liquor stores, adult/sexual content, medical marijuana clinics, weapons, and schools and non-profit businesses engaged in teaching, instructing, counseling or indoctrinating religion or religious beliefs. For more information, please see Metro’s advertising guidelines.

Does Eat Shop Play provide grants or financial assistance?

No. However, Metro’s Business Interruption Fund (BIF) is another construction mitigation program dedicated to assisting mom-and-pops through one-time grants. Find more information here.

Does Eat Shop Play assist with internal business practices, such as record-keeping and human relations?

Not at the moment. Eat Shop play helps business owners promote their businesses, whether that takes place through online learning, one-on-one coaching sessions, or Metro marketing campaigns.

How long can my business stay in the program?

Business participation is renewed annually and can continue until the project reaches a steady state of completion.

How do I sign up?

Enrolling is easy and free. Sign up for Metro Eat Shop Play Business..