More small businesses are entering franchise market

Weakness in the domestic economy and rising fuel and utility bills were also cited as barriers to growth, according to a quarterly survey of more than 2,500 small businesses, reports The Telegraph. The research, conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), found that general sentiment improved in the first three months of 2013 compared with the previous quarter.

Los Angeles' new Office of Small, Local and Disadvantaged Business, to open by July, will guide businesses through the bureaucracy and toward resources. Restaurateur Jesse Gomez's plans to serve margaritas and agua fresca cocktails on the patio at his new Yxta Cocina Mexicana eatery in downtown Los Angeles are getting tangled in red tape.

Details unveiled by Korean Air about what will be Southern California's second-tallest structure include that the top floor will also have a restaurant, bar and infinity swimming pool.With work set to begin soon on a $1-billion luxury hotel in downtown Los Angeles, developer Korean Air revealed some details about the tower that is expected to dramatically alter the city's skyline.

So you're thinking of buying a franchise? Chances are, if you've thought of striking out on your own and starting a business, somebody has suggested that you buy one. Odds are also good that someone you also know has urged you not to buy a franchise.

Lincoln Property has bought a century-old building at 11th and Hope streets for $16.25 million and has plans for offices, a nightclub and a restaurant.A showplace of the early automotive age in downtown Los Angeles a century ago is set to be revived by new owners who have ambitious plans to turn it into offices, a restaurant and a nightclub near L.A. Live.

LOS ANGELES — Police say the body of a woman found wedged in a water tank on the roof of a downtown hotel is that of a missing Canadian guest. Investigators used body markings to identify 21-year-old Elisa Lam, police spokeswoman Officer Diana Figueroa said late Tuesday. A maintenance worker at the Cecil Hotel found the body earlier in the day after guests complained of low water pressure.

KTLA 5 is reporting police have locked down two jails in downtown Los Angeles after reports a sought-after ex-cop might be in the area. 

A large parking lot across the street from the Los Angeles Convention Center is zoned for development.