Launch Grants

The Small Business Mobility Fund Launch Grants are administered by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) as part of its broader Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI). The EMI aims to strengthen economic foundations across Los Angeles County by expanding access to education, technical assistance, mentorship, and capital for small businesses. Funded through the Care First Community Investment (CFCI) program, these grants support the launch and expansion of businesses within unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County by offering flexible capital for foundational business expenses. The initiative is rooted in promoting long-term economic development, particularly in underserved or economically disadvantaged regions of the County. The program provides two distinct tiers of funding based on the type of commercial space being established or expanded. A $5,000 grant is available to eligible businesses opening or expanding a non-retail commercial location, such as an office or warehouse. A larger $10,000 grant is offered to those opening or expanding a brick-and-mortar retail location with a storefront. In both cases, the business must be physically located within the unincorporated areas of the County and must not have opened prior to September 1, 2025. Shared spaces, temporary leases, and non-permanent setups such as open-air vending or swap meets are excluded. Eligible grant expenses include tenant or façade improvements, signage, and required building permits. Eligible applicants must operate as for-profit businesses that are headquartered and domiciled in Los Angeles County and California, respectively. The applicant must be the majority owner (holding at least 50% ownership), and the business must have fewer than 100 employees and annual gross revenue not exceeding $6 million. If the applicant has not filed a business tax return, their household income must be under $300,000. Additionally, applicants must be in good standing with all licensing and taxing authorities. The program explicitly excludes a wide range of entities, including nonprofits, landlords with passive income, corporate-owned franchises, and businesses in certain regulated or restricted industries such as liquor stores, cannabis operations, and financial lending firms. Applicants must submit a complete application by the February 13, 2026 deadline. Required documentation includes a detailed business plan outlining how the grant will be used to support launch activities, proof of a commercial lease or ownership (no subleases without formal approval), a government-issued photo ID, proof of residency in Los Angeles County, business license, DBA/FBN documentation, filings with the California Secretary of State, the most recent business or personal tax return, and Form 941 for applicants with employees. Industry-specific licenses and permits may also be required, depending on the type of business. The application must be completed online and can be saved and returned to later if needed. Once submitted, applications are reviewed by ICON CDC in collaboration with DEO. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants may be contacted for additional information or documentation. Only one application is permitted per business. Awards are not guaranteed, as funding is limited and applications will be evaluated using a prioritization matrix. The program emphasizes compliance with all application requirements and encourages early submission to account for any follow-up needs. For support during the application process, applicants can contact ICON CDC at (818) 616-4118 or via email at [email protected]. The program team is available to assist with questions related to eligibility, required documentation, and general application guidance. This grant is a recurring opportunity with multiple rounds expected under the EMI strategy, although applicants must adhere to each round’s deadlines and criteria as specified in the respective application period.