The entertainment industry in Los Angeles took a hit last year when two major industry unions went on strike, affecting many small businesses in the area. However, a new grant program has been launched to support these businesses and others that were negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The Los Angeles County Entertainment Business Interruption Fund, with a budget of $4.1 million, aims to assist local small businesses that were harmed by the pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood Double Strikes. Qualified businesses can receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 if they meet certain criteria, such as having $3 million or less in annual gross revenue and deriving at least 70 percent of their revenue from the entertainment industry. The deadline to apply for this grant is May 24.
In addition to this program, other small business grants are also available in different cities across the country. For example, H&R Block is offering the Fund Her Future Grants to support women-owned businesses, while Washington, D.C., has the Robust Retail Grants program to help eligible businesses with up to $10,000 in funding. Youngstown, Ohio, and Madison, Wisconsin, also have grant programs in place to support local businesses.
These grants provide much-needed financial assistance to small businesses, helping them recover and thrive in the post-pandemic economy. With the deadline for applications approaching, business owners are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to secure funding for their operations.