Entrepreneurship Academy Grants

The Entrepreneurship Academy Grants are offered through the Small Business Mobility Fund by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in collaboration with ICON CDC. These grants are designed to support entrepreneurs who have graduated from the DEO’s Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) Entrepreneurship Academy. The program is part of the County's broader Economic Mobility Initiative, aimed at advancing small business development, wealth generation, and economic resilience by providing targeted education, mentorship, technical support, and capital access to local entrepreneurs. Graduates of the EMI Entrepreneurship Academy may apply for a one-time grant of up to $2,000 to either launch a new business or elevate an existing one to its next phase. Launching a business refers to formalizing operations through key steps such as business registration, website creation, and securing a business location. For existing businesses, the grant is intended to support defined growth milestones like developing a new product or service, expanding into a new customer segment, rebranding, launching an online store, moving into a physical retail location, or acquiring new equipment to diversify offerings. Grant funds can be used for a wide range of eligible activities including permit and license fees, website development and branding, start-up and set-up costs, accounting software, intellectual property protections, packaging and inventory, equipment purchases, building permits, façade improvements, tenant improvements, and signage. Applicants must demonstrate in their business plan how the funds will contribute to launching or expanding their operations. To qualify, applicants must be majority owners of a for-profit business, reside in and have their business headquartered in Los Angeles County, and be graduates of the EMI Entrepreneurship Academy. The business must be domiciled in California and properly registered with the California Secretary of State. Additionally, the business must be in good standing with all relevant tax and licensing authorities and generate less than $6 million in annual revenue. The business must employ fewer than 100 people, and the applicant must submit current business licensing and tax documentation. Businesses with no prior tax returns must demonstrate household income under $300,000 and provide personal tax filings. Certain business types are categorically ineligible, including nonprofits, landlords earning passive income, liquor stores, smoke shops, corporate franchises, payday lenders, gambling establishments, and businesses without a physical location in LA County. Businesses involved in speculative trading, adult entertainment, lobbying, and other excluded categories are also barred from participation. The DEO reserves the right to deem additional businesses ineligible based on submitted documentation. To apply, eligible individuals must submit a complete application package by February 13, 2026. Required documentation includes a government-issued photo ID, a comprehensive business plan detailing how funds will be used, current business licenses, proof of residency and business location, a copy of the EMI graduation certificate, most recent tax filings, California Secretary of State registration, Form 941 if applicable, and any required industry-specific permits. Applications must be completed and submitted through the designated online portal, and incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed and scored based on a pre-defined matrix. Due to limited funding availability, not all applicants will receive awards. Applicants may be contacted by ICON CDC for follow-up or to submit missing documentation within a week of initial submission. If selected, recipients will be notified of the award and next steps via email.