The LA County Economic Opportunity Grants for small businesses are now open as of today (microbusinesses are still eligible during this phase, as are nonprofits). David Sinclair and I represented the economic development team at this morning’s LAEDC Economic Forecast, where the LA County DEO Director celebrated the phase 2 grant opening and spoke with regional, city and nonprofit stakeholders about connecting businesses to this opportunity and others provided by their office.

I wanted to call your attention to the info session and office hour calendar which is generously full. There are sessions nearly every day in March and April in English and Spanish to help businesses apply for $20,000 grants. The offer still stands for the DEO team to provide a special train the trainer session for this group as well. If you’re interested, please let me know.

  1. Phase 2 Small Business & Nonprofit grants open on 2/23. The grant application is somewhat involved and business owners may need extra technical assistance with applications.
  2. EmployABILITY Business Grant: The CA Department of Rehabilitation’s EmployABILITY grant offers small- and medium sized businesses in California grants from $20,000–$200,000 to grow their business and create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.