COVID-19 Business Resources
Tag: Community
Updated April 18, 2022
As we have done throughout the pandemic, staff will notify businesses and other stakeholders within the HED to help them adjust business operations and to prepare for increased pedestrian traffic in the HED. Stay tuned for additional resources monitored by The Hollywood Partnership. If you have any questions or require general business assistance, please contact Devin Strecker, Vice President for Communications at devin@hollywoodbid.org or at 323-463-6767. We’re here to help!
Microenterprise Grant
The City of LA will provide funds to assist microenterprises (5 employees or less, including the owners) that have been impacted by COVID. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to eligible business, with priority to businesses that have not received assistance through any City, State, or Federal program. Funds can be used for operating expenses, including payroll, lease payments, insurance, inventory, etc.
https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/recovery/microenterprise
LA Optimized
LA Optimized helps small businesses strengthen their digital presence including business listings, website, and e-commerce. Businesses must have a current Los Angeles City Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRCT) to apply. Space is limited. Priority is provided to brick-and-mortar businesses within L.A. City boundaries with an active BTRC prior to March 2020. Provided services are free.
https://www.lacityoptimized.org/
Free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can apply to receive a one-month supply of face masks, hand sanitizer, and face shields through the PPE Unite™ distribution program. These supplies are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Legacy Business Recovery Program
The City of LA will provide funding to provide technical assistance and grants up to $25,000 to support and preserve qualified legacy businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic.Coming Soon.
Small Business Rental Assistance
The City of LA will provide grants of up to $15,000 (six month’s rent, whichever is less) to support rental / lease costs incurred after March 2021. Assistance will be provided to approximately 800 small businesses in qualifying industries for both current and arrears rent payments, and to eligible new business that need assistance with first and last month rent. The program launched on April 18, 2022.
ewddlacity.com/index.php/recovery/rentassist
Equity Fund
The City of LA will provide grants to eligible businesses (Women-owned Microenterprises) to use for operating expenses such as payroll, lease payments, insurance, inventory, etc. $10,000 grant for microenterprises with no employees; $15,000 grant for microenterprises with employees. Application period open from March 25 through April 15 at 11:59pm.
https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/recovery/equity-fund
Restaurant Beverage Program
City of LA COVID-19 recovery program that reduces the amount of time for City approvals from months to weeks and reduces the cost of an alcohol permit from approximately $13,000 to $4,000. Only restaurants with an operational kitchen and a full menu are eligible.
Click here for the fact sheet.
Stay Connected with your Customers
Have you checked your Google business profile lately? If not, now is the time. We encourage you immediately update your business profile. Up-to-date profiles are 70% more likely to attract location visits and 50% more likely to lead to a purchase? You may need to adjust your business operations during this time. This could mean changing your hours, temporarily closing, or changing the types of products and services you offer. You can communicate this information to customers with a Business Profile on Google. Get started here, and once you are verified, you will be able to manage your profile. If you now offer online services, add an appointment URL to your profile or activate bookings to add a "Book Online" button. After you have secured your COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certificate, you can also add that information to your business profile to inform your customers of your attention to keeping them safe.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also offers resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19.