LA County Launches Holiday Grant Program to Support Small Businesses
Los Angeles County officials heralded the launch of a new grant program aimed at bolstering small businesses and nonprofits still reeling from the economic fallout of the pandemic. The Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant Program, unveiled on Small Business Saturday, will distribute $584,000 in grants to eligible recipients.
A Lifeline for Struggling Businesses
Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), emphasized the critical role small businesses and nonprofits play in the county’s economy. “At DEO, we know how important our small businesses and nonprofits are to our economy. We also know how important capital is to small businesses and nonprofits — for recovery, for growth, and for innovation. We are happy to announce our Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant Program and continue to unlock capital opportunities for our amazing community of entrepreneurs,” she declared.
The program is a component of DEO’s broader Economic Opportunity Grant Program, which has already provided $55.7 million in grants this year to over 5,151 businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic and other economic setbacks. This funding is made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act and the State Office of the Small Business Advocate.
Equitable Access to Funding
“I cannot think of a better way to celebrate Small Business Saturday than by expanding access to funding for small businesses, which are the economic engine and cultural fabric of our communities,” stated Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
“Through the County’s Economic Opportunity Grant Program, we are equitably distributing American Rescue Act dollars to help reach small businesses across Los Angeles, including women-owned businesses and businesses of color that have historically faced limited access to capital.”
A Collaborative Effort
The Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant Program is a collaborative initiative between the DEO and the Pacific Asian Consortium of Employment (PACE). William Chun, Chief Operating Officer for PACE, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are excited to partner with the county leadership and the County Department of Economic Opportunity in launching the Economic Opportunity Holiday Grants program. With small businesses and nonprofits still trying to survive after the pandemic, this program shows the county’s continuing commitment in helping those that need it the most,” he said.
How to Apply
Applications for the Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant Program are now open and will be accepted throughout the New Year’s holiday. Funding decisions will be made in February 2025. Interested businesses and nonprofits can find more detailed information and instructions on the DEO website at opportunity.lacounty.gov.
How much funding has been allocated for the Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant Program?
## LA County Invests in Small Businesses This Holiday Season
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, to discuss an exciting new program aimed at supporting small businesses and nonprofits during the holiday season. Kelly, thank you for joining us.
**Kelly LoBianco:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. LA County recently announced the Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant Program. Can you tell us more about it?
**Kelly LoBianco:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled to be offering this additional wave of support through our Economic Opportunity Grant program. Recognizing the ongoing challenges small businesses and nonprofits face, especially during the holiday season, we dedicated $584,000 specifically for holiday-related expenses. This program is an extension of our larger initiative, which has already successfully awarded over $55.7 million in grants to more than 5,151 businesses and nonprofits this year. [[1](https://lacounty.gov/2023/02/23/54-million-economic-opportunity-grant-program-now-open-to-la-countys-microbusinesses-small-businesses-and-non-profits/)]
**Interviewer:** That’s fantastic news! What types of expenses will these grants cover?
**Kelly LoBianco:** The grants can be used for a variety of crucial expenses, such as purchasing inventory, covering marketing and advertising costs, hiring seasonal staff, and managing any unexpected operating costs that often arise during the holidays. Our goal is to provide businesses with the resources they need to make the most of this busy season.
**Interviewer:** Why is it important for LA County to specifically focus on small businesses and nonprofits during the holidays?
**Kelly LoBianco:** Small businesses and nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, providing essential services and creating jobs. They contribute significantly to the vibrancy and economic well-being of LA County. We recognize the unique challenges they face, especially during the holidays, and we want to ensure they have the support they need to thrive.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! Kelly, is there any information you would like to share for small business owners and nonprofits who are interested in applying for these grants?
**Kelly LoBianco:** We encourage all eligible businesses and nonprofits to visit the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity website for detailed information about the program, eligibility requirements, and application instructions. The deadline to apply is quickly approaching, so don’t delay!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your time, Kelly. This is truly valuable information for our viewers who are running small businesses and nonprofits. We wish all of them a successful and festive holiday season.
**Kelly LoBianco:** Thank you for having me, and happy holidays to everyone.
