Employer Assistance Grant Fund (EAGF)

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Los Angeles County residents and small businesses experienced a substantial financial strain as the state and local governments took safety measures to protect the public including the closures of nonessential businesses. With a focus on supporting local businesses, the County of Los Angeles’ Department of Workforce Development, Aging & Community Service (WDACS) launched the Employer Assistance Grant Fund (EAGF) to provide direct financial relief to the most effected businesses. The program successfully granted 1,489 grants for a total of $46.7 million in distributed funds, with 35% awarded to businesses or non-profit organizations led by people of color. This one-of-a-kind program included multifaceted criteria to ensure equitable fund distributions to businesses most impacted by COVID-19 and businesses in vulnerable communities. The program’s outcomes provide future opportunities to proactively support the local economy by providing direct financial support to community businesses.