Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced the award of $105,000 in Small Business Mobility Fund (SBMF) Launch Grants to support 12 small businesses establishing or expanding brick-and-mortar locations in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The SBMF Launch Grants were announced on January 8, 2026 as part of DEO’s Economic Mobility Initiative, expanding education, training and technical assistance, and capital to businesses that need it most countywide. DEO is also extending the application period for additional cycles of Launch Grants through June 1st, 2026.

The SBMF Launch Grants are designed to help entrepreneurs transition into physical commercial spaces and strengthen local economic activity in underserved communities. Grant awards provide $5,000 for businesses operating in non-retail commercial spaces, such as offices and warehouses, and $10,000 for businesses operating in retail commercial spaces with storefronts. DEO has partnered with Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods (ICON) Community Development Corporation (CDC) to administer the program, including application and eligibility review and technical assistance for applicants.

A total of 12 businesses have been selected to date for funding through a competitive review process, with awards supporting costs associated with opening and activating physical locations. Eligible uses include tenant improvements, façade upgrades, signage, and required permitting. Many of the selected businesses have been adversely affected by the wildfires and are working to relaunch within their communities. Others are launching a brick-and-mortar or other commercial ventures, investing in new product lines with visual signage, and scaling up their storefront operations.  

“Our small businesses have shown remarkable resilience as they continue to navigate economic challenges and recovery efforts, especially those in our unincorporated communities such as Puente Valley and East Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles County Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “These grants represent more than financial support; they are a targeted investment in economic recovery, equity, and long-term opportunity for the entrepreneurs who power our local economy. By helping businesses establish and expand their brick-and-mortar presence, we are strengthening commercial corridors, creating jobs, and ensuring our communities have the resources they need to thrive.”  

“Investing in our communities’ future means uplifting our local businesses. I encourage our unincorporated business community to apply for these grants to propel themselves forward. Every dollar counts. I am deeply invested in creating opportunities for our businesses to sustain, grow, and thrive,” said Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

“Access to capital is one of the biggest barriers for small businesses looking to establish a physical presence. Through the SBMF Launch Grants we are helping entrepreneurs take that next step bringing their businesses into storefronts, activating local corridors, and strengthening the economic foundation of our communities,” said Kelly LoBianco, DEO Director.  

This round of funding reflects DEO’s continued commitment to expanding access to capital for small businesses and supporting the development of vibrant commercial corridors in unincorporated communities. Businesses are already seeing how these dollars will catalyze their businesses and locations.

“When we started LOWLOW Streetwear, it was just us, a dream, and everything we had. There were moments we weren’t sure we were going to make it. So, to receive this $10,000 Small Business Mobility Fund grant from the County of Los Angeles, it genuinely brought us to tears. This isn’t just money to us. This is validation that what we’re building matters. We are putting every single dollar back into this brand and this community. We’re investing in new product lines, scaling up our operations, and most importantly, we’re creating jobs. We plan to bring on new team members, giving people in our community real employment opportunities and a place where they feel seen and valued. LOWLOW has always been more than a clothing brand. It’s a movement rooted in culture, community, and the belief that people from neighborhoods like ours deserve to see themselves represented. This grant is fuel. We are just getting started, and we are going to make Los Angeles proud,” said David Vargas and Yadira Rivera-Rivas, Co-Owners of LOWLOW Streetwear LLC, who were awarded $10,000 from the SBMF Launch Grant. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected for this grant. After a challenging year relocating from Pacific Palisades, this support means so much to my business. It will help us improve our outdoor presence and continue serving our customers. I truly appreciate the work that goes into programs like this, as they give small businesses like mine the opportunity to keep moving forward,” said Kimberely Gore, owner of Kimari Salon, who was awarded $10,000 from the SBMF Launch Grant.

The department maintains the capacity to award up to 24 more SBMF Launch Grants. In addition to awarding this initial group of businesses, DEO has extended the application deadline for SBMF Launch Grants to June 1, 2026, to allow additional eligible businesses located in unincorporated areas to apply. Outreach and technical assistance efforts are ongoing with DEO and ICON CDC to ensure broader awareness and participation.

Small businesses interested in applying or learning more about the SBMF Launch Grants can visit: Small Business Mobility Fund – Department of Economic Opportunity.