Program in LA County Now Aims to Aid Businesses Affected by Immigration

In a swift response to the economic turmoil sparked by federal immigration enforcement operations that began in June 2025, Los Angeles County has officially launched the Small Business Resiliency Fund (SBRF).

This initiative provides up to $5,000 in direct cash grants to eligible small businesses grappling with workforce shortages, revenue drops, and other disruptions caused by ICE raids.

The program, administered by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) in partnership with SoCal Grantmakers and AidKit, opened for applications on Monday, September 29, 2025.

With a tight deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, county officials are urging affected business owners to act quickly amid limited funding.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and local economy,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis during a downtown news conference announcing the fund.

“When they are disrupted by actions that create fear and instability, we must act quickly to support them.”

Solis, who co-authored a June 2025 Board of Supervisors motion alongside Supervisor Janice Hahn to establish the program, emphasized its role in fostering recovery and resilience.

latimes.com

Photos: A fierce pushback on ICE raids in L.A. from protesters, officials – Los Angeles Times

Who Qualifies? Key Eligibility Criteria for the SBRF

To streamline access, the fund targets small businesses operating in Los Angeles County that can demonstrate direct financial hardship tied to immigration enforcement activities starting June 6, 2025.

Funds can cover essentials like rent, payroll, equipment repairs, inventory replacement, and other recovery costs.

Here’s a breakdown of eligibility requirements:

Criterion	Details
Location	Business must be headquartered in California and actively operating in Los Angeles County prior to June 1, 2025.
Impact	Proof of economic disruption, such as loss of workforce, property damage, customer decline, or revenue loss due to federal immigration actions.
Size	Small businesses (specific revenue/employee thresholds not detailed, but aligned with county small business definitions).
Status	Must be in good standing with government agencies (e.g., valid business license, tax compliance).
Exclusions	Nonprofits, large corporations, or businesses without verifiable ties to June 2025 enforcement impacts.

Multilingual application guides are available in 12 languages to ensure broad accessibility, with a Spanish-language informational webinar scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Businesses meeting criteria but not initially selected will join a waitlist for potential future funding.

The DEO initially requested $5.5 million for the fund, with current projections estimating a need of $3.7 million – underscoring the urgency as applications pour in.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying is straightforward via the official portal at opportunity.lacounty.gov/resiliencyfund. Here’s what to expect:

Gather Documentation: Prepare proof of business operations pre-June 2025, financial impact statements (e.g., payroll records, sales reports), and identification.
Submit Online: Complete the digital form, uploading required files. AidKit handles processing for efficiency.
Await Review: Applications are evaluated on completeness, eligibility, and demonstrated need. Selected recipients receive funds promptly.
Seek Help: For questions, contact DEO at the provided support line or email. Donations from organizations or philanthropists can expand the fund – reach out to funds@opportunity.lacounty.gov.

Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell highlighted the program’s inclusivity in a recent social media update: “Multilingual application support is available to ensure all eligible applicants can access the program.”

Background: The June 2025 ICE Raids and Their Lasting Echoes

The fund stems from a wave of federal immigration sweeps launched on June 6, 2025, targeting workplaces across Los Angeles County.

These operations, part of a broader enforcement push, led to hundreds of detentions, sparking widespread protests and curfews in affected neighborhoods.

Businesses in sectors like construction, hospitality, and food services – often reliant on immigrant labor – reported sudden closures, staffing crises, and boycotts.

A joint study by DEO and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is underway to quantify the raids’ toll on local economies, revealing ripple effects like reduced consumer spending and supply chain interruptions.

Early estimates suggest thousands of small businesses could qualify, amplifying the fund’s potential impact.

This isn’t LA County’s first rodeo with crisis relief; similar programs have aided wildfire victims and COVID-hit enterprises.

Yet, as federal policies intensify, advocates call for sustained investment.

“We’re not just patching holes – we’re building back stronger,” Solis added.

With applications closing in just over a month, time is of the essence for business owners still reeling.

The SBRF isn’t only about cash – it pairs grants with technical assistance to help recipients navigate recovery.

As one local entrepreneur shared on social media, “This could mean the difference between folding and fighting another day.”

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