Councilman Mitch O’Farrell Tuesday introduced a motion to use $1 million of his office’s discretionary funds to start a grant program to assist small businesses in his district during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The motion would establish the Emergency Small Business Grant Program for businesses in the 13th Council District that have 26 or fewer employees.
“As emergency orders are relaxed and our small business community ramps up for a new normal in their operations, financial assistance will help some restaurant, retail and service operators survive,” O’Farrell said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we must take action that will provide a swift, steady, and safe return for employers and employees.”
O’Farrell said the program will assist businesses struggling to make ends meet during the public health emergency orders. Funding will be administered and developed in partnership with the Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department.
O’Farrell’s motion will come to the City Council for approval next week.