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LOS ANGELES –– Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced a Chambers of Commerce Relief Fund, which will offer vulnerable chambers that saw declines in their membership and fundraising with grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.

“The last thing our small businesses need right now is to lose a lifeline that has helped keep them afloat,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Our Chambers of Commerce have always been the beating heart of our local economy, and as we continue down the road of recovery, these grants will play an indispensable role in lifting up our workforce, revitalizing our small businesses, and ensuring that they can continue to turn to chambers for the help and support they deserve.”

During the pandemic, many Chambers provided crucial one-on-one assistance, offered webinars, and a myriad of other resources to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. At the same time, many Chambers exhausted their resources when they saw declines in membership dues and fundraising.

The fund, which totals $450,000 raised by the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, will provide selected chambers with grants of $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of the chamber and recovery services offered. The funding will ensure that Chambers of Commerce can continue to provide technical support and advocate in support of small businesses during the City’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

“This initiative illustrates how government, philanthropy, and the private sector must work together to overcome our toughest challenges,” said Deidre Lind, President & CEO of the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles. “Small businesses are the backbone of L.A.’s economy, which is why they have been a focus of ours since our inception.”

To qualify, organizations must be registered with the IRS as a 501c(6) (Chambers of Commerce designation) with annual revenues of $750,000 or less. They must also be located within the City of Los Angeles and primarily support businesses within City limits. For more information, please visit mayorsfundla.org/program/economic-development-for-covid-relief/.

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