Grants Are Providing Hope for Small Businesses During This Hard Time

6.07.2021 — LISC StoriesEconomic Development

The LISC + Lowe’s Small Business Relief Grant program was created in response to the need to support small local businesses suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These $20,000 grants have helped the businesses take care of their most urgent needs.

Playtastic Pediatric Therapy is an occupational therapy center in Los Angeles devoted to serving the needs of children 0-3 years of age within the early intervention pediatric population.

Losing her father at the tender age of 3 years, Brandi Glenn, owner of Playtastic, was raised by her mother, who taught her how to be diligent, resilient, and hardworking. Her mother was also the one who introduced her to the career of occupational therapy and inspired her to start her own practice.

But in 2020, the business was not doing well. Brandi struggled to maintain revenue to cover overhead costs, assessments and supplies, and social media marketing. Her main sources of revenue which came from independent contracts, small development centers, and private paying families, were minimal. She attempted to secure a clinic space when referrals were becoming scarce.

When she received the LISC + Lowe’s Small Business Relief Grant, Brandi was overwhelmed with happiness and could not hide her tears of joy. With that money, she was able to keep her practice running and even increase staff to assist with new virtual services. She also managed to open a small clinic site to further help those within her community.

“Receiving this grant made me feel seen, appreciated, and valued as an African American female and business owner who are often unheard in my profession.” she said.

Hsueh Fen Pan was also awarded the LISC + Lowe’s Small Business Relief Grant to support her pizza shop which was going through financial hardships.

Hsueh Fen Pan opened her business in 2003 after immigrating from Taiwan. Her relatives back in Taiwan had a similar enterprise where Hsueh had garnered experience to help her run her restaurant.

The business was going well for Hsueh, but in 2020, everything came crashing down when the pandemic hit. She lost more than half of her business, and she had to let go of most of her staff since they could not provide outdoor dining.

Receiving the LISC + Lowe’s Small Business Relief Grant allowed Hsueh to pay her rent and keep her business going.

Rafu Bussan Inc. is another beneficiary of the LISC + Lowe’s Small Business Relief Grant. Located in the heart of LittleTokyo in Los Angeles, the business is famous for having the biggest selection of Japanese imported gifts and chinaware in all of Southern California.

Rafu Bussan Inc. was founded over 63 years ago by Mrs. Aiko Kawaratani, who wanted to import fine tableware and household goods from Japan. As the current owners, Carol Tanita and Rigoberto Martinez, aim to introduce and perpetuate the Japanese culture through its porcelain artistry, cooking utensils, home goods, and decorative art pieces.

But running the business has not been easy, especially in the past year. The lockdown, which was issued to control the spread of the virus, caused a lot of damage to many businesses, including Rafu Bussan Inc. Since customers could not come to the store, there was a massive drop in sales. The store also faced looting and vandalizing during the social unrest that occurred in 2020.

Carol and Rigoberto tried to adjust to the situation by using local media and resources to reach their community and urge their customers to continue shopping through email and online. They also used local community newspaper websites to order merchandise and switched to serving customers by appointments on an hourly basis.

Carol was always looking for financial aid to help sustain her business. When they received the LISC + Lowe’s Small Business Relief Grant, Carol felt like a huge financial burden had been lifted. They were able to use the funds to pay rent, salaries, and other bills.

“The LISC grant gave us a hopeful outlook that WE CAN survive this pandemic, so long as we can stay healthy,” she said.

With so many small businesses having to shut down due to financial strain, these grants provide hope for people to keep going and stay in business.

Grants Are Providing Hope for Small Businesses During This Hard Time

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