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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) launched Phase Two of the Economic Opportunity Grant (EOG) program, expanding the grant program from serving microbusinesses to include small businesses ($15,000 or $20,000 per grant) and nonprofits ($20,000 or $25,000 per grant). DEO launched Phase One in January 2023, initially accepting applications only from the County’s smallest and most vulnerable microbusinesses ($2,500 per grant).
Through EOG, DEO will award more than $54 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and California Office of Small Business Advocate funds across 6,800 grants in a continuous rollout to regions and organizations adversely affected by COVID-19. Since the launch of Phase One, more than 10,000 applications from microbusinesses have been submitted or are in progress.
DEO has partnered with Lendistry and the LA Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) to create a central application experience for the EOG program available at grants.lacounty.gov and to facilitate direct concierge support to applicants. Applicants can access live and multilingual webinars, instructional how-to-apply videos and demos, one-on-one application support, and in-person support events across the County to verify eligibility and submit successful applications.
LA County’s Economic Opportunity Grant program is administered by the newly created Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), launched in July 2022. DEO helps job seekers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and residents access life changing opportunities, and is home to Office of Small Business, LA County’s one stop shop dedicated to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“Through no fault of their own, small businesses and nonprofits across the county were devastated by the pandemic,” said Janice Hahn, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “These grants are designed to help. If you own a small business or operate a nonprofit, this might be just what you were looking for.”
“Today is a testament to Los Angeles County’s commitment towards our small businesses community,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District. “This critical sector of our economy made significant sacrifices during the pandemic. Many had to temporarily close during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and deal with staffing shortages. The Economic Opportunity Grant Program, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, will help to make a positive difference. I thank President Joe Biden for his work to prioritize equity and level the playing field for small business owners who are the bread and butter of our local economy.”
“I am thrilled that the County is using its American Rescue Plan dollars to directly invest in the communities that need it the most. $54 Million provided for microbusinesses, small businesses, and nonprofits will help uplift communities that have faced longstanding disinvestment and were hardest hit by the pandemic and economic crisis. Small businesses provide a critical role in our economy and overall community stability through the services and jobs they offer. It’s critical that we provide the necessary support for them thrive,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.
“Our small businesses and nonprofits contribute to thriving, connected communities. It’s wonderful to be able to support small business owners impacted by COVID-19 through the Economic Recovery Grants, targeting the areas of our County and organizations where assistance is needed most. I hope businesses tap into this resource as a tool to stay open, hire locally, and innovate to make our communities stronger,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District.
Applicants can visit grants.lacounty.gov to apply now, review eligibility, or access support. For general inquiries or application assistance, potential applicants can call the EOG Call Center at (833) 364-7268.
In addition to Economic Opportunity Grant program, small businesses can also connect with DEO’s Office of Small Business to access customized one-on-one business counseling, free legal assistance on topics including commercial tenancy, contract development, intellectual property and more, and specialized webinars, workshops, and trainings to help residents open and grow a business. Contact the Office of Small Business at 844-432-4900 or via email at OSB@opportunity.lacounty.gov.
