The following resources are specific to addressing the challenges businesses face during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see the COVID-19 menu for additional resources.
The following resources have been made available for businesses looking for guidance on how to safely remain open while the COVID-19 emergency remains in effect.
City of Los Angeles COVID-19 opening guide for businesses
Additionally, to assist restaurants to fully utilize their capacity while still maintaining social distancing, the Mayor has launched L.A. Al Fresco, a program to allow parking lots and other outdoor areas to be converted for use as dining space. You must apply to take advantage of this program, and you can do that here.
Help with Business Loans
Does your small business need the kind of help offered by the federal CARE program or other state or local business finance support? L.A. City and County have created L.A. CARES Corps to help you navigate the various financial support programs.
Decline In Value
The Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor is promoting tax relief for homes and businesses that have seen a decline in value as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. If you believe your property has reduced in value, you have from July 2, 2021 until November 30, 2021, to file to have your property reassessed. This can result in substantial relief for your home or business.
Office of the Assessor: Decline-in-Value Applications
Federal Assistance
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) also has resources for the CARE program and other funding options. at SBA.gov
If you have a qualified agriculture or small business, you may be able to receive a loan advance up to $10,000 that does not need to be repaid. Also at SBA.gov
State Assistance
Looking to keep track of California state policies and programs? Head to CA.gov for up to date info.
If you can’t afford to keep your employees on full time, but do not want to furlough them, the state employment department offers the Work Share program, which makes your employees eligible for partial unemployment benefits for those hours they are not working, while still allowing you to keep them on staff for the remaining hours. Get details at the Employment Development Department.
L.A. County Assistance
You can get free, one-on-one counseling and support from the L.A. County Help Center during the COVID-19 emergency.
Call (833) 238-4450
Visit LACountyHelpCenter.org
Email DisasterHelpCenter@lacounty.gov
Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @LACHelpCenter
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has provide detailed guidance to businesses on how to proceed if their business is considered essential, including what to do if patrons are exhibiting obvious symptoms. Read the PDF.
City of Los Angeles Assistance
For general business information from the city, head to Corona-Virus.LA.
Need legal assistance during this state of emergency? Check out LA Represents, a program providing pro-bono legal services to those who can’t afford their own representation. See if you qualify.
City of Los Angeles is providing low to no-interest loans up to $20k for small businesses who have low income employees. More details here.
Not sure what to do for your business? The City of Los Angeles has created a guide for how to deal with the various problems you may be facing, including many links to additional information. It’s called the Business Resilience Toolkit and Safer L.A. Business Toolkits.
Check out the programs at the Economic & Workforce Development Department for other city programs, and assistance in finding and applying for county, state, and federal programs, plus seminars to assist both businesses, and people who have lost employment due to COVID-19 or other recent issues.
Have you lost a job, or are you looking for a new one? The city has put together a web site to assist you. Head to LAJobsPortal.org
City of Los Angeles COVID-19 opening guide for businesses
L.A. Al Fresco restaurant outdoor dining program
Support For Artists
The arts are businesses, too, but have special needs. If you have been impacted by cancelations of events or projects, the city has created the Arts Emergency Relief Fund to help you. Up to $400/individual artist, or up to $1200 for ensembles.
Job Assistance
The City of Los Angeles provides assistance to job seekers and employers at all times, but have special programs to deal with COVID-19.
The State of California also has job assistance information
California Labor and Work Force Development
Employment Development Department
California’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Application
Help for Restaurants
Are you looking to connect with people in need of food service? Here are two resources:
Palms Food Service Food Map
Dine11 medical staff food program
Riot and Protest Related Services
If the interior or exterior of your business was defaced during recent demonstrations, please complete the form on this website. This service is only available for those businesses impacted by recent public demonstrations.
The Department of Building and Safety also has programs that can help with damage due to current events. For more information, call 311 or head to the LADBS.org website.
Additional resources are also available through the Office of Community Beautification. They also have a graffiti abatement program.
Finally, if you need a hand with cleanup efforts, reach out to L.A. Works, an organization that mobilizes volunteers to address pressing issues in Los Angeles. L.A. Works can help recruit and manage volunteer cleanup efforts at your location. To make a request, email info@laworks.com.