Small Business Formalization Grants

Merchandise vendors may qualify for a Formalization Grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to help get permitted and compliant with the County’s Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. The Formalization Grants are part of the Small Business Mobility Fund.

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 (SVRC) to vend in the unincorporated areas of LA 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.  

Currently, the grant is open to merchandise vendors in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The $500 grant award can be used towards eligible permitting expenses, compliance-related costs, and specific business needs. This grant is administered by DEO in partnership with Inclusive Action for the City (IAC). The new application period is open starting October 13, 2026.  Closing of the application is dependent 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 merchandise vendors who are eligible to receive grants through payments of $500 made directly by IAC for various compliance-related costs required as a condition to acquiring a LA County 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.

In addition, merchandise vendors are eligible to use the grant funds for business setup costs such as tables and umbrellas.

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 DEO’s Economic Mobility Initiative programs and efforts to date on becoming compliant.

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)
• Email, Phone, and home address (in LA County)
• Sidewalk Workshop for merchandise vendors to sign up
• Applicants will also be required to meet revenue threshold