FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2025
Contact
Angela Herrera Perez, Senior Public Information Specialist
press@opportunity.lacounty.gov
LA County Launches Small Business Resiliency Fund to Support Businesses Impacted By Immigration Enforcement Disruptions
Los Angeles, CA –In response to the economic impacts of recent federal immigration enforcement activity, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) have launched the Small Business Resiliency Fund (Fund), a cash assistance program providing up to $5,000 in direct relief to help eligible small businesses across Los Angeles County. Applications are now open and will close on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at 5PM. Full eligibility requirements, FAQs, technical assistance providers and events, and the application portal can be found at: opportunity.lacounty.gov/resiliencyfund.
The Fund was established in direct response to a June 17, 2025, motion by Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis and Supervisor Janice Hahn, which called for the development of a business interruption grant program to support small businesses impacted by federal immigration enforcement-related workforce disruptions, closures, and curfews. Administered by DEO in partnership with SoCal Grantmakers, serving as a fiscal sponsor, and AidKit, which will oversee the application and grant distribution, the Fund is supported by an initial $1.8 million investment from the County’s Care First Community Investment (CFCI) program.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and local economy. When they are disrupted by actions that create fear and instability, we must act quickly to support them. I’m proud to have led the County’s efforts in direct response to the recent immigration enforcement raids, and the launch of the Small Business Resiliency Fund is a vital step in our commitment to stand with small businesses and their workforce. This fund is about protecting the economic stability of those affected and ensuring they have the resources to recover, rebuild, and continue serving their communities with strength and resilience,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis.
“ICE raids have thrown communities into chaos and small businesses are being hit hard—losing customers, employees, and revenue overnight. This new County program will provide up to $5,000 to help those businesses stay afloat. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and this support is about keeping doors open, protecting jobs, and making sure our most vulnerable neighborhoods get the help they need,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn.
“Small businesses are at the heart of Los Angeles County’s economy, and many are immigrant- and family-owned enterprises that serve as cornerstones of their communities. The Small Business Resiliency Fund is about making sure these businesses have the resources they need to withstand disruptions outside their control and continue to provide jobs, services, and stability for residents,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity.
To qualify, businesses must be located in Los Angeles County and demonstrate financial hardship beginning June 6, 2025. They must also be impacted by immigration enforcement-related events, such as forced closures, labor shortages resulting from workforce detentions, or significant revenue losses due to curfews or protests. Grants may be used for recovery-related expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, employee wages, inventory restocking, equipment repairs, debt repayment, and marketing.
Application and outreach support will be provided by a network of trusted Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), including Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC), and the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship (LEEAF). These partners will offer multilingual technical assistance, help verify eligibility, and guide business owners throughout the application process.
Recent economic analysis underscores the urgent need for this effort. According to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) recent reporting, the civil unrest and curfews that followed federal enforcement activity in June potentially disrupted more than 19,000 businesses in Downtown Los Angeles alone. Over 3,700 of these businesses operate in the retail sector—one of the most heavily impacted industries—many of them small, immigrant- and family-owned enterprises. Data from USC’s Equity Research Institute further reveals that nearly 25 percent of undocumented workers in Los Angeles County are employed in retail trade, making the intersection of enforcement activity and industry vulnerability particularly acute. LAEDC estimates the total economic output of businesses within the curfew zone at approximately $72.6 billion, supporting more than 284,000 jobs.
Due to limited resources, the number of eligible applicants may exceed available funding in the initial round. Businesses that meet the eligibility criteria but are not selected will be placed on a waitlist and notified if additional funding becomes available. Organizations, foundations, and institutions interested in donating to the Small Business Resiliency Fund can contact Funds@opportunity.lacounty.gov.
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About DEO:The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.