LA Small Business Grants Open Now: Deadlines Through Fall 2026

Grant money for small businesses is rarely a windfall, but a few thousand dollars can cover a month of rent, a new storefront sign or a piece of equipment. For Los Angeles owners heading into the holidays, several programs are open right now, and a couple close within days. This roundup pulls together options that are currently accepting applications, based on program pages and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation's Small Business Grant Guide, last updated October 3. Funding rounds change quickly, so confirm details with each program before applying.

Closing soon

Hey Helen Grant (women-owned businesses). The guide lists a $10,000 unrestricted monthly award for a women-owned U.S. business with under $1 million in annual revenue. The next deadline is October 31 at 7 p.m. Eastern, which is 4 p.m. in Los Angeles. There is a $15 application fee that is waived for recipients, and one application is considered for up to 12 monthly rounds.

Sephora Beauty Grant. Run with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, this $100,000 grant also includes pro bono consulting and a meeting with Sephora merchants, according to the program page. Applications close November 6, 2026. Eligible businesses sell a consumer packaged beauty product, such as skincare, makeup, haircare or fragrance, have at least one year in business and annual revenue of $100,000, and are at least 51% owned by an underrepresented founder or team. Finalists are to be notified in early January 2027. LA has a deep bench of indie beauty brands, so this one is worth a look.

Open on a rolling basis

PACE grants in LA City Council District 1. A $400,000 program run by the PACE Business Development Center, New Economics for Women and the council office offers $5,000 to $10,000 to brick-and-mortar businesses and about $3,000 to street vendors, per the LAEDC guide. The district covers neighborhoods including Westlake, Pico-Union and Highland Park. Applicants need a valid LA business license, operations in the district since December 2020 and demonstrated financial hardship. Review is first come, first served until the money runs out.

PACE grants in unincorporated Supervisorial District 1. A separate federally funded program offers $5,000 or $10,000 for payroll, rent, working capital and inventory to businesses in the unincorporated parts of Supervisor Hilda Solis's district. PACE contacts eligible businesses after an initial inquiry.

Sidewalk vendor formalization grants. The county's Department of Economic Opportunity and ICON CDC are taking rolling applications from sidewalk vendors in unincorporated areas who want to formalize their business. The amount varies.

Inglewood's Market Street improvement program. The guide describes Round 2 of a Caltrans-funded facade and tenant improvement program for businesses on and around Market Street between Florence Avenue and Hillcrest Boulevard, with awards up to $250,000 per project.

Long Beach storefront programs. Long Beach offers up to $1,000 for repairs after crime or vandalism, plus $750 or $1,500 Safe & Secure grants for security upgrades, depending on storefront size.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. This national program asks owners to complete two free courses or events to unlock the application. According to Verizon's funding page, 10 businesses are picked for $10,000 grants each month through December 2026, and one application stays in the running for the rest of the year. Everyone gets a final decision by January 12, 2027.

Worth watching for 2027

Some popular programs are closed but expected to return. The LAEDC guide says the California Restaurant Foundation's Restaurants Care Resilience Fund closed June 30 and expects a seventh cycle, with past rounds opening June 1. Genesis For Good's Catalyst Empowerment Grant, up to $10,000 for very small businesses in low and moderate income communities, is also pointing applicants to a 2027 cycle.

How to make an application count

These are our suggestions, not requirements from any program.

1. Keep a grant folder ready. Most applications ask for the same items: business license, recent tax return or profit and loss statement, proof of address and an owner ID. Having them scanned saves hours.
2. Write one strong story and reuse it. A short, specific description of what you do, who you serve and exactly what the money would pay for can be adapted for nearly every form.
3. Read eligibility first. Location, revenue caps and ownership rules knock out most applicants. Check them before spending time on essays.
4. Watch out for scams. Legitimate grants do not ask for a large fee to "release" funds. When in doubt, call the program directly or ask the county's Office of Small Business at (844) 432-4900.
5. Use free help. Local business development centers and the county's Office of Small Business can review applications and point you to other capital, including low-cost loans.

Grants are competitive, so treat them as one piece of a funding plan. Applying to several that truly fit your business is a better use of time than chasing every listing.