Small Business Mobility Fund

Sidewalk Vendor Formalization Grants

Are you a sidewalk vendor operating in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County? Were you impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? Did you start your business prior to March 2023? If so, you may qualify for a Formalization Grant from the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to help your business get permitted and compliant with the County’s Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. 

Grant Overview

The County of Los Angeles Sidewalk Vending Ordinance became effective in August 2024. As such, sidewalk vendors must acquire a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate to vend in the unincorporated areas of the County. In recognition of the financial barriers that exist for sidewalk vendors looking to participate in the formal economy, DEO launched the Sidewalk Vendor Formalization Grant Program. 

This Grant Program is distributing over $1M to sidewalk vendors that operate within the Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County through payments of $500 to $5,000 towards eligible permitting expenses, compliance-related costs, and specific business needs. It is made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) in partnership with Inclusive Action for the City (IAC). The application period is open starting from March 7, 2025 and vendors can apply on a rolling basis.

*Grant timeline is subject to change depending on funding availability.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all grant program requirements in order to qualify. Please note that funding is limited, and meeting eligibility requirements does NOT guarantee a grant award. Requirements include:  

Eligible Uses

The Formalization Grant Program will be open to sidewalk vendors who are eligible to receive grants through payments of $500 to $5,000 made directly by Inclusive Action for the City for various compliance-related costs required as a condition to acquiring a LA County Sidewalk Vending Registration Certification (SVRC). 

Eligible uses of the grant include: 

1. Required licensing from County, State, and Federal agencies, including a CA State Seller’s Permit, DBA/Fictitious Name, etc.
2. Sale processing technology and equipment to allow for card transactions such as a mobile Point of Sale (POS) System 

Additional uses for food vendors:

3. Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) and/or Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Permits from the LA County Department of Public Health (DPH) 

4. Food manager or food handler certification training  

5. Purchase of equipment required by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH), including DPH approved sidewalk vending carts and fire extinguisher 

6. Lease of commissary space in accordance with California Food Code  

In addition, both merchandise and food vendors are eligible for the following: 

7. Business setup costs such as tables, umbrellas and carts (limited to Program offerings) 

Please note, uses of fund must be made in accordance with a tiered system. Funds may not be spent on tier 2 until all requirements for tier 1 are first met. Learn more here. 

Grantee Selection

In addition to being reviewed based on the eligibility criteria, applicants will also be scored and selected according to factors determined by the County, including participation in other EMI programs, efforts to date on becoming compliant, etc. 

Documents and Information Required to Apply  

Must have:

• Current government-Issued ID (Driver’s License, Passport, Matricula, etc.) 

• California State Seller’s Permit  

• SSN or ITIN 

• DBA/Fictitious Filing, if business name does not include last name 

• Vending Location (must be in unincorporated areas of the County) 

• Phone, and home address (in LA County)

• Applicants will also be required to meet revenue threshold, be financially impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, and provide an expenditure plan according to eligible uses. 

• If food vendor, must also have attended a CMFO Workshop. Attend a free workshop here. 

Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) Partners

Meet a business consultant from a partnering organization that can assist you with your application and other business needs. Assistance available in English and Spanish.

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