The SBRF was launched on September 29, 2025, following a motion introduced by Los Angeles County Chair and First District Hilda L. Solis and Supervisor Janice Hahn on June 17, 2025, calling for the establishment of a business interruption fund and other economic resiliency and humanitarian-focused interventions to support businesses directly affected by immigration enforcement activities. The program provided direct financial relief to small businesses that have experienced declines in revenue, workforce disruptions, or reduced customer activity. Eligible applicants included brick-and-mortar businesses, sidewalk vendors, independent contractors, and certain home-based businesses that serve local communities.

Selected grantees received grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to use towards essential business expenses, including rent, payroll, inventory, marketing, and debt repayment. Based on early survey data, the first two grant cycles supported 33% of businesses with rent, 24% with utilities or operating expenses, and 25% with inventory or equipment. Awardees have also reported requiring future support with capital access, marketing customer attraction, and business disaster planning.

“The Small Business Resiliency Fund reflects the real challenges small businesses continue to face as immigration enforcement activity persists across Los Angeles County,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “For many business owners, the impacts are ongoing, affecting their workforce, their customers, and their ability to operate day to day. I appreciate my colleagues for joining me in advancing and funding this effort to deliver direct support to those most affected and to acknowledge the strain these disruptions have caused on our local economy. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and this initiative helps ensure they are not navigating these challenges alone.” 

This third round is supported by $300,000 in discretionary funding, including targeted district-level allocations of $100,000 each from Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and Third District Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and an additional $100,000 set aside for countywide distribution to support the highest-scoring eligible applicants across all districts. By combining district-specific allocations with flexible countywide funding, this round is designed to target impacted communities while ensuring that the highest-need businesses receive support, regardless of location.  

“Immigration raids by the federal government have not just upended lives and torn apart families – they have also destabilized our local economy. Small businesses have been forced to close temporarily or have seen a drop in foot traffic as workers and shoppers have been forced to stay home for fear of being kidnapped at their place of work or while running errands in their community. I’m proud LA County is able to provide relief to over 1,000 small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sidewalk vendors to ensure they can stay in place and continue to serve their communities,” said Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.  

“As the federal administration continues to fail Los Angeles, I will continue to support our small businesses and communities who are being unjustly targeted,” said Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “With these funds, we’re standing with the people behind these businesses—their hard work, their sacrifices, and everything they’ve built.”

“Small businesses across Los Angeles County have shown incredible resilience in the face of immigration enforcement activity, and this final round ensures we are reaching even more of those who need support most,” said DEO Director Kelly LoBianco. “We are grateful to the Board of Supervisors for their leadership and partnership in expanding this effort, bringing together district and countywide resources to deliver meaningful relief that helps stabilize businesses, protect jobs, and strengthen local communities.”

Award notifications have been issued by AidKit in coordination with DEO. Businesses not selected will be referred to alternative resources and technical assistance through DEO and its partners.

To learn more about the SBRF, visit: opportunity.lacounty.gov/resiliencyfund. To learn more about DEO’s support for immigrant businesses and workers, visit: opportunity.lacounty.gov/immigration/.