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New Grant Programs Support Small Businesses in Los Angeles and Beyond
Small businesses in the Los Angeles area that rely on the entertainment industry for their livelihood faced challenges last year when two major industry unions went on strike. The impact of these strikes, combined with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, left many small businesses struggling to stay afloat. However, a new ray of hope has emerged in the form of the Los Angeles County Entertainment Business Interruption Fund.
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the County Film Office have announced a $4.1 million grant program to support local small businesses that were negatively affected by COVID-19 and the 2023 Hollywood Double Strikes. The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund will provide grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to qualified businesses that support the entertainment industry in LA County. To be eligible, businesses must have annual gross revenue of $3 million or less, with at least 70 percent of their revenue coming from the entertainment industry. The deadline to apply for this grant program is May 24.
In addition to the Entertainment Business Interruption Fund, other small business grant opportunities are also available. H&R Block’s Fund Her Future Grants program aims to support women-owned businesses by offering a total of $100,000 in funding and access to small business services. Applications for this program are open until May 26.
Washington, D.C., is continuing to support small businesses through its Robust Retail Grants program, which offers grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses for various needs such as renovations and payroll. Youngstown, Ohio, has launched the Small Businesses Boost Grant program to provide funds and resources to local businesses, with the application period open until May 31.
Madison, Wisconsin, offers a match program for small businesses that receive Kiva loans, providing additional match loans of up to $7,500 through designated community partners. West Monroe, Louisiana, is also supporting local businesses with the Next Level Business Grants program, offering reimbursement grants for exterior improvements.
These grant programs aim to provide much-needed support to small businesses that have been impacted by recent challenges, offering a lifeline to help them recover and thrive in the future. Small business owners are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply for the support they need to weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever.
