Verizon Small Business Recovery Grants Keep Diverse Community Businesses Alive

7.24.2020 — LISC StoriesEconomic Development

Koreatown, East LA, Little Tokyo, Persian Square - these are the essential places that make Los Angeles, Los Angeles. For some Angelenos, these places are a home away from home, and for others, a unique bridge for diverse Angelenos to connect. However, what makes these places special are the unique small businesses that bring the area to life. Not only do these businesses serve our communities, they are critical economic life-lines for their local business owners and employees. Recently, as COVID-19 has made necessary the enforcement of strict safety guidelines, many of these small businesses have been put at risk and often forced to go on with limited operation. LISC LA is responding to help these businesses survive and thrive through this critical time.

LISC LA’s Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund is awarding grants of up to $10,000 to businesses who have been affected by the pandemic. This groundbreaking program would not have been possible without funders like Verizon and Sam’s Club who have together committed $7.5 million in relief grant money. Across the nation, over 400 companies have already received critical grants to meet payroll, pay rent, or cover other immediate operational needs. These grants go to business owners who are 87% minorities, 63% women, and 11% veterans. Today more than ever LISC remains committed to serving the communities that often lack access to capital and to the diverse businesses that make our cities thrive.

LISC LA is excited to share our second round of grant recipients. We believe these are the businesses and owners who define Los Angeles as they serve our communities.

In 2006, Juana Rodriguez started her own small business out of her house, Lovely made. Lovely made is a gift shop which provides customers with edible gifts like caramel apples and chocolate dipped cherries, as well as hand made gift baskets and personalized gifts. Recently Ms.Rodriguez had finally rented a retail space for Lovely made and was enjoying success when she unexpectedly had to shut its doors during the Safer at Home order.

“To keep my customers safe, I did not open my business during the time of the pandemic and was not thinking what would happen to my business. Thankfully LISC was a great chance for me at the right moment, when I thought my business wouldn’t go any further anytime soon . . . Lots of business had to close and I feel very thankful I can look forward to continuing my business with this little push.”

— Juana Rodriguez, owner of Lovely made

Another grant recipient and recently reopened business, Tokyo Hamburg is a much-loved LA restaurant featuring quintessential Japanese foods as well as their own signature dishes like the Tokyo Hamburg Steak. While Tokyo Hamburg still offers delivery and curbside pickup, they have also brought back dine-in services in accordance with guidelines, including spaced-out, disinfected tables and one-time use menus and utensils. Visit Tokyo Hamburg on their website for details on delivery or in-person dining.

Located off of West Vernon Avenue, Choi’s Auto Body and Repair is another one of the exceptional businesses we are happy to be supporting with a grant at this time. Mr. Choi’s services have made many of his clientele life-long customers and online reviews for the Auto shop are testament to the quality of the service. To find out more about Choi’s Auto Body and Repair visit their website.

Bladez Barber Shop and Salon is a Long Beach business that provides haircuts and styling for men and women with hair of all textures. They provide a variety of hair services, including weaves, braids, and many more. You can visit Bladez Barber Shop and Salon in Long Beach to experience their exceptional and varied services.

Elysee Lash is a beauty training academy local to Koreatown that provides instruction on a variety of beauty services, and specializes in lash extensions and lash art. Elysee brings together experts in beauty services to teach the craft and, uniquely, provide beauty school instruction in Korean.

Other companies awarded grants in this round of recipients include Shine Trim Corp, IQ Tile inc, Victoria Wigs, SUPYG, Leftie Inc, Unimae, Space One Trading Inc, BSG Aesthetics Solutions Co, Washington Tire and Wheel, Moorim Product Inc, Real Family Child Care, Headquarters The Grooming Shop, City Design Studio LLC, and JMC Creations Inc.

LISC LA is proud to be a supporter of these essential Los Angeles businesses and grateful to the sponsors who have made it possible, Verizon, Sam’s Club and Procter & Gamble. Together we are supporting the business owners who make our city thrive.