In an effort to bolster small businesses crippled by the ripple effects of federal immigration enforcement, LA County has taken a decisive step forward. According to a recent media release, the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity, alongside Supervisors Hilda L. Solis and Janice Hahn, revealed that $1.53 million in grants has been distributed to 367 local businesses as part of the Small Business Resiliency Fund.
Running through the streets of LA’s economic landscape, the thread of immigration policy weaves a complex pattern, entangling local businesses with unexpected challenges. The county estimates staggering consequences from federal immigration actions, with job losses topping 11,730 and economic output dipping by $2.5 billion. Supervisor Solis, captured by a statement obtained by the media release, notes, "Small businesses are the heart of our communities and the engine of our local economy," stressing the importance of the fund as a lifeline to recovery and resilience.
Federal immigration operations, which Supervisor Hahn clarifies aren’t just targeting, but "sweeping up workers," have left a visible scar on the county's businesses. Janice Hahn’s comments, reflected in the media release, accentuate the despair as she continues to urge the federal government to cease these disruptive raids. The first wave of awards from the Small Business Resiliency Fund addresses this wound, providing direct financial aid to small businesses at the heart of this economic disturbance.
Grants distribution is executed by AidKit, a third-party administrator working with DEO and the fiscal sponsor, SoCal Grantmakers. Applications surged past 3,400, an embodiment of the pressing need, suggesting an urgent hunger for relief among the small business community. "The outpouring of applications confirms just how urgent this need is," confided Kelly LoBianco, Director of the DEO, in a reflection from the media release. These funds are earmarked for essential expenses, aiming to keep the lifeblood of businesses flowing – from rent to payroll and critical debt repayment.
Businesses that have not yet had their hunger for aid sated in the initial round of funding remain hopeful as they rest on a waitlist for a second round of grants slated for early 2026. DEO invites philanthropic allies and private benefactors to contribute, magnifying the fund’s reach and impact. Assistance and funding inquiries can be channeled through the department at [email protected]. With community pillars like ICON CDC and LEEAF offering multilingual support, the LA County continues its endeavor to rebuild its foundation, one small business at a time.
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