LA County Awards $180,000 to Second District Small Businesses Through Business Interruption Fund Amid Broader Regional Relief Efforts

May 14, 2025 10:02 am

Los Angeles, CA – In celebration of National Small Business Month, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is spotlighting the distribution of $180,000 in grants to 22 small businesses in the County’s Second Supervisorial District. These grants were disbursed through the Second District Business Interruption Fund (BIF), established by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell in partnership with DEO and PCR Business Finance. The BIF, which closed in November 2024, provided essential support to businesses impacted by unforeseen economic disruptions—ranging from natural disasters and crime-related incidents to disruptive construction and other qualifying events.

Each grantee received up to $10,000 to cover essential expenses such as rent, payroll, and utilities—helping them sustain operations, retain employees, and continue serving their communities. Among the grantees is Warning Skate Shop, located in the Second District of LA County. “This skate shop started as a passion project between me and my brother—we were just two kids selling gear out of our closet to friends. Over time, it grew into a brick-and-mortar store. Like a lot of small businesses, we’ve faced our share of challenges. After a robbery, things got tough. The funding helped us catch up on rent and pay down debt. Support like this makes a huge difference. It helps keep small businesses like ours going,” said business owner Jorge Verga. Click here to watch Jorge’s story and learn how this funding helped him.

“Small businesses are at the heart of our local economy, contributing to the cultural fabric of our neighborhoods. Operating a small business has been especially difficult these last few years, which is why I’m proud to have partnered with the Department of Economic Opportunity and Pacific Coast Regional to launch the Second District Business Interruption Fund. With this initiative, we are getting financial resources directly to small businesses to help them stay open and grow in the face of disruptions outside of their control,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

“Small businesses power LA County’s economy and support our neighborhoods and cities day in and out with essential goods and services, local hiring opportunities, and spaces that reflect our culture and communities. It is critical that we support their resilience,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity. “Thanks to Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s leadership, these grants are helping our small businesses not just recover from unexpected setbacks but come back stronger.”

“PCR was honored to administer the District’s Business Interruption Fund. We applaud the Supervisor’s wisdom in funding such an endeavor, and her recognition of the need to support small business owners when they have been hobbled through no fault of their own. The PCR team stands ready to assist whenever called,” said Mark J. Robertson, Sr., President/CEO of PCR Business Finance.

The BIF complements broader DEO led recovery efforts, including the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds, launched just weeks after the January 2025 windstorm and wildfires. To date, DEO has distributed $19.1 million to more than 1,372 small businesses and nonprofits and 2,309 impacted workers, with funding raised through a collaborative public-private-philanthropic partnership.

List of Awarded Businesses: