Los Angeles is offering $5,000 to small businesses affected by ICE raids – Here’s how you can apply for Care First Community Investment assistance

If you are a small business owner in Los Angeles and your operations were affected by recent ICE raids or immigration enforcement, there is good news. L.A. County is offering up to $5,000 in relief grants through its Small Business Resiliency Fund, supported by the Care First Community Investment program. Here is what you need to know — and how to apply.

What is the Los Angeles Small Business Resiliency Fund?

The fund is a cash assistance program created by L.A. County to support small businesses that suffered disruption due to immigration enforcement actions starting in June 2025.

The initiative was launched after a motion in June 2025 and backed by an initial $1.8 million from the County’s Care First Community Investment (CFCI) program.

The money is there to help keep doors open, support payroll, repair equipment, replace inventory, or recover from revenue loss.

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Who qualifies for this $5,000 relief?

You may qualify if your business meets these key criteria:

• You must be located within Los Angeles County and have been operating before June 1, 2025.
  
• Your 2024 gross revenue should be $6 million or less.
  
• You have fewer than 100 employees.
  
• You suffered financial harm beginning June 6, 2025, because of immigration enforcement, such as:
  
  • Loss of workers due to arrests
    
  • Forced closures or reduced hours
    
  • Revenue drops from curfews, protests, or decreased foot traffic

You must also provide business documentation (licenses, leases, tax returns) and proof of impact.

If your business checks these boxes, you should apply. If demand is high, not all will receive funds immediately, but you could be placed on a waitlist.

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How much is available and what can you use it for?

You can receive up to $5,000 in direct relief.

Funds may be used for:

• Rent or mortgage payments
  
• Payroll or wages
  
• Equipment repair or replacement
  
• Inventory restocking
  
• Recovery-related expenses or marketing to regain customers

When is the deadline to apply?

The application window opened on September 29, 2025, at 9:00 AM PST. The final deadline is October 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST. If you miss it, you lose this chance. Do not wait — get your documents ready now.

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How to apply for the assistance

Here is a step-by-step process you can follow:

• Go to the Small Business Resiliency Fund portal on L.A. County’s Department of Economic Opportunity site.
  
• Gather required documents: business licenses, lease or proof of location, tax returns, and records of impact from immigration enforcement.
  
• Fill out the application. Be clear about how your business was affected (lost revenue, employees, closures).
  
• If you need help, contact a community-based organization (CBO) linked to the program for assistance.
  
• Submit before the October 31, 5:00 PM deadline.

If your application is accepted, funds will be disbursed directly to your business to support your recovery.

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