WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — Los Angeles County officials Thursday announced a grant program to provide financial assistance to small businesses affected by a July water main break near Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.
The Small Business Recovery Grant program will provide assistance to businesses within a designated commercial impact area that suffered economic losses or business disruptions from the July 16 water main break, according to the county Department of Economic Opportunity.
The rupture of a 36-inch water main released roughly 17 million gallons of water, flooding streets, garages and businesses and forcing the closure of Sunset Boulevard between Sherbourne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard for more than a week.
Funding for the program was secured by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose district includes West Hollywood. The Department of Economic Opportunity will administer the program.
"Small businesses should not have to bear the financial burden of an emergency they did not cause. The LADWP water main break flooded businesses, shuttered storefronts, and disrupted daily life in West Hollywood," Horvath said. "Los Angeles County is stepping up to support businesses as they reopen their doors and continue serving the community. When our local businesses suffer, our entire community feels it — and we're committed to making sure West Hollywood businesses have the support they need to move forward."
The program is limited to businesses identified through canvassing and outreach within the designated impact area near Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive, county officials said.
Eligible businesses will be contacted directly and asked to complete an intake and verification process before grant funds are distributed. Businesses outside the designated impact area are not eligible.
The Department of Economic Opportunity's Office of Small Business will conduct outreach and assist businesses with the grant intake and distribution process.
"Small businesses can experience significant financial impacts when an unexpected infrastructure emergency interrupts their ability to operate, serve customers, or maintain normal business activity," DEO Director Kelly LoBianco said. "Through this targeted response, the County is working with our local partners to connect businesses most directly affected by the water main break with resources that can help support their recovery."
Earlier Thursday, the county announced a separate Small Business Recovery Grant program offering up to $3,000 to eligible businesses affected by the June 17 Lineage Fire in Boyle Heights and a May 22 oil spill in East Los Angeles. Applications for that program will be accepted through Oct. 1.
More information about the West Hollywood grant program is available here.
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