Welcome to the Compact Mobile Food Operation Subsidy Program
Empowering and supporting mobile food vendors in LA County
About the Program
The LA County Compact Food Mobile Operation (CMFO) Subsidy Program, brought to you by the Department of Economic Opportunity in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, is here to uplift and support mobile food vendors operating throughout LA County by offering financial assistance and resources. Through the CMFO Subsidy Program, sidewalk vendors selling food can obtain their CMFO permit at a reduced rate of up to 75% of total permitting costs including permitting fees, plan check costs, site evaluations, and home inspections.
Approved applicants can receive up to 75% off of costs for required health permits.
Program Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, sidewalk vendors must meet all of the following program eligibility requirements.
- Must be a resident of LA County and living or operating in the unincorporated area of LA County in a qualified census tract according to the COVID-19 Equity Explorer Tool
- Be a small business earning $50,000 or less in gross annual revenue
- Register and attend a required CMFO training session hosted by DEO by visiting bit.ly/SmallBusinessEvents
- Complete the CMFO Permit Subsidy Application online or in person
- Must never have been issued a Compact Mobile Food Operator or a Food Cart public health permit
- A government issued photo identification, which may include matricula consular, passport, ID or driver’s license
If you have any questions please call DEO’s Office of Small Business at (844)-432-4900 or email DEO at sidewalkvending@opportunity.lacounty.gov. You may also book an appointment online for assistance with this application here.
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