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LOS ANGELES –– The Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles today announced that its Small Chambers of Commerce Relief Fund has awarded grants of $5,000 to $10,000 to 22 of Los Angeles chambers that are helping small businesses impacted by the pandemic.

During the pandemic, small chambers provided crucial one-on-one assistance, webinars, and a myriad of other resources to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. At the same time, many of these same small Chambers exhausted their resources when they saw declines in membership dues and fundraising. The way chambers are incorporated also limited their ability to participate in other relief programs.

“Small businesses are key to our economic recovery. They are the heart of our communities and are responsible for almost 50 percent of our jobs in Los Angeles,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Through our chambers of commerce, they have found the support needed to stay afloat. These grants will ensure our chambers of commerce are able to continue supporting small businesses and uplifting our workforce.”

“This is an example of how our recovery can be stronger and more strategic when government, philanthropy and the private sector work together,” said Deidre Lind, President & CEO of the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles. “Small businesses bring life to our main streets and employ more Angelenos than any other source. By helping these small chambers weather the pandemic, we’re helping them assist thousands of small businesses across Los Angeles.”

The Small Chambers of Commerce Relief Fund, which was composed of funds raised by the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, provided the selected chambers with grants of $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of the chamber, the impact of the pandemic on the membership and recovery services offered. The funding will help ensure that the 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.

To qualify, organizations had to prove IRS designation 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.

The small chambers receiving grants through this one-time program are:

• American Indian Chamber of Commerce of CA
• Canoga Park West Hills Chamber of Commerce
• Century City Chamber of Commerce
• Chatsworth /Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce
• Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce
• Encino Chamber of Commerce
• Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Greater LA Inc
• Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, Inc.
• LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce
• Los Angeles South Chamber of Commerce
• North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
• San Pedro Chamber of Commerce
• Studio City Chamber of Commerce
• United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley
• Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
• Venice Chamber of Commerce
• West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce
• Westside Chamber of Commerce
• Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
• Winnetka Chamber of Commerce

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