LA County Small Businesses: Navigating Recovery & Growth Amid New Challenges
Los Angeles County, home to over 1.3 million small businesses—including the highest concentration of women- and BIPOC-owned enterprises in the nation—is facing a new wave of challenges after making strides in post-pandemic recovery. Just as many businesses were regaining stability, the 2025 LA wildfires disrupted economic activity, damaged infrastructure, and placed additional burdens on entrepreneurs.
In response, LA County has ramped up its support for small and minority-owned businesses through targeted relief funds, legal assistance, and business development programs. During a recent Ethnic Media Services briefing, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) outlined the county’s latest recovery initiatives and resources available for business owners seeking financial aid and technical assistance.
Economic Recovery Efforts & Resources
Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to small business resilience, emphasizing their vital role in the economy. “They provide essential goods and services, spaces for communities to gather, and the cultural vibrancy of our region,” she noted.
Over the past 60 days, the DEO has introduced several initiatives to assist wildfire-affected business owners, including:
- Emergency Business Support Website – A centralized hub offering multilingual information on financial aid, disaster relief programs, and legal resources.
- Disaster Recovery Centers – Physical locations at UCLA and Altadena providing in-person assistance, including FEMA and SBA services, six days a week.
- Permit One-Stop Program – A streamlined process connecting businesses with county departments to expedite rebuilding efforts.
- Business-to-Business Space Sharing Portal – A platform enabling businesses to donate or find temporary workspaces, such as kitchens and storefronts, to help displaced entrepreneurs continue operations.
Legal Aid and Financial Support
Recognizing the financial and legal barriers faced by small business owners, LA County has expanded its Legal Aid for Small Business program, offering free assistance with commercial lease agreements, contract disputes, intellectual property, and business structures. Special attention is given to wildfire-related issues such as insurance claims, scam prevention, and tenant rights.
Additionally, the county continues to provide grant funding and micro-loans. Business owners are encouraged to visit lalegalhelp.org or the East LA Entrepreneurship Center for guidance.
Empowering Home-Based & Street Vendors
LA County is also championing microenterprises, particularly food entrepreneurs, by offering resources to help them formalize their businesses:
- Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) Initiative – Allows home cooks to legally prepare and sell meals, with an annual sales cap of $100,000.
- Sidewalk Vending Program – Offers free registration certificates and workshops for food and merchandise vendors.
- Small Business Mobility Fund – Provides grants of up to $5,000 to cover permitting costs, commissary space, and business expenses.
To encourage participation, application fees for these programs have been waived or significantly reduced through 2026.
Voices from the Small Business Community
At the briefing, two small business owners shared their experiences:
- Liana Austin, Director of Discovery World Schools, detailed the challenges of maintaining early education programs while facing financial uncertainty.
- Richard Gomez Trejo, owner of WRAPS-TO-Gomeztrejo, highlighted how county resources helped sustain his business following wildfire-related disruptions.
Patrick Nye, Regional Director of the LA/SoCal Small Business Development Center (LASBDC), encouraged business owners to take full advantage of these resources, emphasizing that they can mean the difference between survival and closure.
A Call to Action for Business Owners
Small business owners in LA County are encouraged to:
- Visit the DEO’s emergency website for up-to-date funding opportunities.
- Utilize free legal aid for business-related concerns.
- Explore MEHKO and sidewalk vending programs to grow their food enterprises.
- Use the space-sharing portal for temporary business locations.
With LA County’s proactive approach, small businesses are gaining the tools necessary to rebuild, adapt, and thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
For more information, visit LA County DEO’s website or attend upcoming in-person workshops.
Supporting Early Education: How Legal Aid Helped Discovery World Stay Afloat
For over 35 years, Discovery World Early Education Center has been a cornerstone for working families in Los Angeles. Founded in 1988, the center has provided a nurturing environment for children from infancy to age five. Today, under the leadership of Liana Austin, Discovery World continues to offer extended hours, specialized care for children with special needs, and a strong developmental foundation.
However, like many small businesses, Discovery World has faced financial hardships, especially during the pandemic and the recent wildfires.
Legal Challenges and the Need for Support
One of the most pressing issues arose when new property owners attempted to impose a $100,000 backdated water utility charge—despite only purchasing the property in 2022. Facing potential financial ruin, Liana turned to the LA County Legal Aid Program, which became a game-changer.
With the program’s help, Discovery World:
- Successfully challenged the excessive utility charge.
- Navigated lease agreements to prevent retaliatory landlord actions.
- Ensured compliance with employment laws and operational requirements.
Without legal aid, the center might have been forced to increase tuition, affecting working families. This case underscores the importance of legal assistance in protecting small businesses from predatory practices.
From Kitchen Designer to Culinary Entrepreneur: Richard Gomez Trejo’s Journey with MEHKO
For over 30 years, Richard Gomez Trejo specialized in kitchen design, never imagining that his culinary passion would lead to a business venture. When the pandemic struck in 2020, he found himself at a crossroads.
Encouraged by coworkers who loved his homemade wraps, Richard transitioned from hobbyist to entrepreneur. However, navigating the legal and operational hurdles of starting a home-based food business was daunting—until he discovered the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program.
With MEHKO’s guidance, Richard:
- Legally transitioned his home kitchen into a certified food business.
- Secured necessary permits and met health safety standards.
- Built a growing clientele for his unique wraps.
MEHKO provided a roadmap for success, helping Richard formalize his passion while ensuring compliance with health regulations. His story is a testament to how county programs can empower small entrepreneurs.
Championing Small Business Growth: The Role of Patrick Nye & LASBDC
At the forefront of small business support is Patrick Nye, Director of the LA/SoCal Small Business Development Center (LASBDC). Under his leadership, LASBDC provides free training, one-on-one advising, and multilingual resources to help businesses start, grow, and sustain their operations.
As a key partner of LA County and federal agencies, LASBDC plays an essential role in disaster recovery, assisting businesses with insurance claims, SBA loans, and FEMA aid. Patrick urges business owners to take full advantage of these services:
“You’re funding them with your tax dollars—use them! We’re here to help you not just survive, but thrive.”
With dedicated county support, LA’s small business community continues to push forward, building resilience and ensuring economic sustainability for future generations.
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