Initiatives to support small and medium-sized businesses affected by strikes and the new coronavirus infection
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the County Film Office are working with Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsay P. Horvath and District 5 Supervisor Kathryn Berger to Introduced a new $4.1 million grant initiative to support. 2023 Hollywood Double Strike and Small Businesses Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF), funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), provides grants of $10,000 or $25,000 to eligible small businesses that support the entertainment industry in LA County. These companies should have experienced the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic between March 2020 and now.Application deadline is May 24, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
“Through the Entertainment Business Interruption Fund, Los Angeles County invests in diverse businesses that foster the creative economy,” said Board Chair Lindsay P. Horvath. “This $4.1 million will be a lifeline to prop shops, florists, caterers and other small businesses that continue to face economic damage from recent strikes and the slow return of local produce.”
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors quickly responded to the need to create a fund to support small businesses in their recovery efforts from both the pandemic and the strike. The County Film Office, located within the DEO, works with Lendistry to administer the grants, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides application assistance to applicants.
DEO Director Kelly LoBianco emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses affected by the strike and the pandemic, saying, “Although the strike has ended and a fair deal has been negotiated, the current We recognize the continuing impact on the small and medium-sized businesses we support.” Production is starting to restart in LA County. ”
The Business Interruption Fund builds on the more than $50 billion already awarded to small businesses and nonprofits in 2023 through the Economic Opportunity Grant Program and DEO's expanding portfolio of capital access opportunities. Through the BIF, DEO plans to award approximately 230+ grants at two levels based on revenue size and businesses that fall into the highest, upper, and middle tiers of the county's COVID-19 Vulnerability and Recovery Index .
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the entertainment industry and keep production moving,” said Los Angeles County Film Office Director Gary Smith. “The County Film Office is grateful to Directors Horvath and Berger for approving our request to provide grants to these businesses as they recover from the 2023 strike and the coronavirus pandemic. Without these small businesses, Hollywood would not exist.
“The Business Interruption Fund was established on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at History for Hire, a family-owned prop store in North Hollywood. More than 35 small businesses applied to the BIF on-site and If you received direct technical or application support, visit grants.lacounty.gov to learn more and apply today.