The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has awarded $140,000 in Entrepreneurship Academy Grants through the Small Business Mobility Fund (SBMF), providing direct capital to 70 entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region. Each awardee will receive $2,000 in grant funding to support the launch or growth of their business. The grants are designed to help entrepreneurs cover critical start-up and set-up costs, such as business licensing and permits, website development and branding, inventory and equipment, intellectual property protections, or facade and tenant improvements.

Announced on January 8, the SBMF Entrepreneurship Academy Grants Program is administered in partnership with the Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) and is funded through the County’s Care First Community Investment (CFCI) initiative. The program specifically supports graduates of DEO’s Entrepreneurship Academies, a cornerstone of DEO’s Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) and its broader mission to reduce barriers for businesses by expanding access to education, training and technical assistance, and capital for small businesses across the County. Each Entrepreneurship Academy is an 8 to 10-week cohort-based program that equips participants with practical tools to build and grow their businesses, including business planning, marketing strategies, and financial management. Since launching in 2024, the program has graduated more than 900 participants across all five Supervisorial Districts. These grants support 70 of these graduates in activating their business plans following the Academy.

“I’m proud that these grants are giving our local entrepreneurs the boost they need to turn their ideas into reality,” said Los Angeles County Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “Through the Entrepreneurship Academies and this funding, small business owners can grow their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the communities they call home. At a time when federal policies often overlook the needs of small businesses and disrupt operations with tariffs or the consequences of inhumane immigration raids, it is critical that we continue ensuring every small business has the resources and support needed to succeed. By investing in our entrepreneurs today, we are building a stronger, more resilient economy for all of Los Angeles County.”

“We established the Economic Mobility Initiative to ensure that every entrepreneur across Los Angeles County has access to the tools and capital they need to turn their vision into reality, regardless of location or access to traditional banking relationships. These grants are a direct result of that commitment, and proof that targeted policy investment can open doors and create real opportunity for small businesses to launch, grow, and thrive,” said Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

“This investment reflects our commitment to lowering barriers and expanding access to capital, a key tenant of the Economic Mobility Initiative,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County DEO. “By supporting entrepreneurs at this early and critical stage, we are helping expand new small businesses, create community spaces and local jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth across LA County.”

“There is no shortage of talent in our great city. And I am blessed to be amongst those who live on their talents. But in order to survive, as is true anywhere, one must be able to compete. EMI has made me a competitor and a mentor to those who strive to play the sport of entrepreneurship. The EMI program has solidified my foundation and now, it is time to scale. And this grant will be used to present my business to new clients, in California and around the U.S, who have yet to experience my talent. But I won’t just be a charming Angelino with a dream. I will be presented as a company with value, and the promise of excellence,” said Sheldon Botler, Entrepreneurship Academy Grant awardee and founder of Sheldon Botler Mixed Media.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected to receive the $2,000 Small Business Mobility Fund Entrepreneurship Academy Grant from the County of Los Angeles, administered by ICON CDC. This support means a great deal to me as a small business owner. Access to resources like this not only helps strengthen my business, but also encourages continued growth, innovation, and service to the community. I truly appreciate the commitment that the County of Los Angeles and ICON CDC have shown in uplifting entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for small businesses to thrive,” said Keshia Mills Entrepreneurship Academy Grant awardee and founder of Winter Grace Chocolates.

While applications for the Entrepreneurship Academy Grant have closed, additional funding opportunities remain available through the SBMF. Applications are still currently open for Launch Grants, which support businesses opening a brick-and-mortar location in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Eligible businesses may receive $5,000 for non-retail commercial spaces, such as offices and warehouses, and $10,000 for retail a retail commercial storefront. The application deadline has been extended to March 31.

For more information on the SBMF and to apply for Launch Grants, visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/sbmf/.

To learn more about the Economic Mobility Initiative, visit emi.lacounty.gov.