Small Business Mobility Launch Grants
Small Business Mobility Launch Grant
The LA County Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI), is a one-stop to start or grow your dream venture. We empower LA County small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits by providing tailored information, technical assistance, and resources from the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)’s Office of Small Business and best-in-class partner organizations that helps you thrive and build generational wealth in our communities.
The Small Business Mobility Fund, offered by the Economic Mobility Initiative, is designed to help businesses access flexible start-up and scale-up capital to support their business growth.
The Small Business Mobility Launch Grants range from $2,000 to $10,000 to help new entrepreneurs and small businesses in Los Angeles County cover essential start-up and early operating costs.
Grant Overview
The Small Business Mobility Launch Grant provides seed funding between $2,000 and $10,000 to support new entrepreneurs and small businesses across Los Angeles County. The program is part of the County’s Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI), designed to reduce barriers to business success through education, technical assistance, mentorship, and access to capital.
Grant recipients must fall into at least one of the following categories:
Brick-and-mortar business establishing or expanding on a non-retail commercial space, such as an office or warehouse.
Brick-and-mortar business establishing or expanding on a retail commercial space with a storefront.
Graduate of an EMI Entrepreneurship Academy or sponsored by an EMI-approved partner.
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
Must be a for-profit business seeking to operate in the County of Los Angeles. If already in operation, cannot have in operation for more than 6 months if a brick-and-mortar or 1 year if an EMI graduate.
Applicant must be the majority owner and manager.
Annual gross business revenue must not exceed $6 million (2023 or 2024). If no tax return is filed, household income cannot exceed $300,000.
Must be domiciled in California and have required filings with the California Secretary of State.
Must show proof of operating in the County.
Existing businesses must be in good standing with all local, state, and federal taxing and licensing authorities.
Cannot be in the list of ineligible businesses available here.
Grant Amounts:
Grant amounts depend on the type of business:
$2,000 – Graduates from EMI Academy or from programs sponsored by an EMI-approved partner.
$5,000 – Businesses establishing or expanding a non-retail commercial space, such as an office or warehouse, in unincorporated Los Angeles County.
$10,000 – Businesses launching or expanding a brick-and-mortar retail commercial space with a storefront in unincorporated Los Angeles County.
Eligible Uses
Funds may be used for essential start-up expenses, such as:
EMI graduates can use grants towards eligible uses that help their business launch or grow. Uses include permit/license fees, website/branding, setup costs (e.g., accounting software, IP protections), product packaging, inventory/equipment, etc.
Brick-and-Mortar businesses can use grants towards tenant or facade improvements, signage, and related building permits.
Application Process
Please visit this link to complete the application. Applications are available in all County threshold languages. You can apply online or download, print, and submit by mail or in person.
Please note, if qualifying as an EMI graduate, must apply through the Entrepreneurship Academy where the applicant graduated from or through an EMI-approve partner. Brick-and-mortar businesses with qualifying leases can apply directly.
Applications are accepted beginning January 8, 2026 and will remain open until February 13, 2026 at 11:00 PM. Additional rolling rounds may open contingent upon funding availability.
Brick-and-mortar businesses with a qualifying lease may apply directly.
How to Apply
All applicants must complete an online application. If you require one-on-one support or need assistance gathering documents or information, ICON CDC can help you with your application.