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For Immediate Release
November 10, 2022
LA County Helps Reimagine and Restore Local Commercial Businesses
Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Chair Holly J. Mitchell and Kelly LoBianco, Director of the newly created Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) celebrate the completion of several local commercial business restorations in the unincorporated areas of Athens Westmont – marking the 11th RENOVATE project completed in this area.
The four storefronts are located in Western Avenue’s commercial corridor and include 50/50 Juice Lounge, Honeybee Bilingual Children’s Center, Jus Kids Stem Academy, and International Reality and Investments. Through RENOVATE, eligible business owners receive financial support, technical assistance, help with architectural design, environmental testing, abatement, and project management services to modernize and revitalize commercial storefronts.
“Small businesses are anchors in our communities that are in need of support that has a visible impact. The County’s Renovate Funding program and its new Tenant Improvement Fund are key ways we can invest in our small businesses to be inviting spaces that their fellow residents can be proud to patronize. South LA has a wonderful culture that I am proud to be part of and to see represented in the recent Second District businesses that participated in the County’s Renovate program” – Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair, Holly J. Mitchell, representing the Second Supervisorial District
“The RENOVATE program helps amplify the crucial impact small businesses play within local communities and economies,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the new LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “By modernizing and restoring building facades, we support small businesses in reinventing public spaces for loyal customers and driving new interest to commercial corridors throughout our unincorporated areas. We’re grateful to the Board of Supervisors for their continued support of this project, and specifically to Supervisor Mitchell for her support of the Western Avenue projects.”
Businesses located in unincorporated Los Angeles communities are eligible to participate. Once selected, business owners receive a grant that covers all costs associated with façade improvement work, including design, construction, and engineering services.
Funded through the County’s Economic Development Trust Fund Initiative, the average RENOVATE grant is $175,000. Since the program’s inception, 32 storefronts have been redesigned and restored. An additional 19 are in progress and will be completed soon.
For additional information or to submit an interest form for the RENOVATE program, visit here. Visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn more about the new LA County Department of Economic Opportunity or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @EconOppLA.
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