The L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in partnership with the Pacific Asian Consortium of Employment (PACE), is launching the Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant Program, providing $584,000 in new grants to support small businesses and nonprofits. Applications are now open and will remain available through Dec. 31, with funding to be distributed in February of 2025.
The new Economic Opportunity Holiday Grants are part of DEO’s larger Economic Opportunity Grant (EOG) Program, which has already awarded $55.7 million in grants this year to 5,151 small businesses and nonprofits most affected by the pandemic and other economic disruptions. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the State Office of the Small Business Advocate, these grants have enabled businesses to stay open, retain staff, and invest in their recovery strategies – strengthening the foundation of LA 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,” said DEO Director Kelly LoBianco.
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“We are happy to announce our Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant Program and continue to unlock capital opportunities for our amazing community of entrepreneurs.”
“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,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. 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.”
“We are excited to partner with the County leadership and the County Department of Economic Opportunity in launching the Economic Opportunity Holiday Grants program,” said William Chun, chief operating officer for PACE.
“With small businesses and non-profits still trying to survive after the pandemic, this program shows the County’s continuing commitment in helping those that need it the most.”
In addition to the Economic Opportunity Holiday Grants, DEO is promoting the Shop Local LA County campaign, aiming to secure community members to support over a million small businesses throughout the County. DEO has teamed up with Microsoft and Align Organization on Digital Upskilling LA County, as part of the Shop Local LA County initiative, offering digital training to small businesses to enhance their online presence, marketing strategies, and e-commerce capabilities. Over 350+ have already participated in workshops, with 50 receiving one-on-one consultations to improve their digital platforms. Join DEO in shopping local this season by making the pledge or signing up to learn more about our Digital Upskilling LA County offerings: shoplocal.la
To learn more and apply to the Economic Opportunity Holiday Program, visit https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/small-business-grants.
