The Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles announced last week grants funding several Valley region chambers of commerce as part of its Small Chambers of Commerce Relief Program.
Of the 22 total awards, a dozen chambers of commerce which received funds fell within the Valley region including the Canoga Park West Hills, Greater San Fernando Valley, Encino and Winnetka chambers. Recipients of the one-time grant received between $5,000 and $10,000 in relief funds to be spent on support for local businesses in the economic recovery from COVID-19 impacts.
“Small businesses are key to our economic recovery. They are the heart of our communities and are responsible for almost 50 percent of our jobs in Los Angeles,” L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement. “Through our chambers of commerce, they have found the support needed to stay afloat. These grants will ensure our chambers of commerce are able to continue supporting small businesses and uplifting our workforce.”
To qualify for the grants raised by the Mayor’s Fund, organizations had to maintain an IRS 501c(6) designation and have annual revenues of $750,000 or less. They were also required to be located within the city of Los Angeles and primarily support businesses within the city limits.
“This is an example of how our recovery can be stronger and more strategic when government, philanthropy and the private sector work together,” Deidre Lind, president of the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, said in a statement. “Small businesses bring life to our main streets and employ more Angelenos than any other source. By helping these small chambers weather the pandemic, we’re helping them assist thousands of small businesses across Los Angeles.”
