The Los Angeles Post

County and City Small Business Grant Program Receives 2021 Audrey Nelson Award

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LACDA/City Small Business Grant Program Receives
National Recognition from NCDA

Alhambra, CA, January 29, 2021 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) – in partnership with the Cities of Azusa, Commerce, Duarte, La Cañada Flintridge, Malibu, and Maywood – is proud to announce that the National Community Development Association (NCDA) has selected the LACDA/City Small Business Grant (SBG) Program as a winner of the 2021 Audrey Nelson Achievement Awards.  The award recognizes outstanding community development projects and programs across the country and was created 34 years ago in honor of NCDA’s first Deputy Executive Secretary, Audrey Nelson.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the LACDA responded rapidly to the needs of the County’s small business community by collaborating with these six partner cities to launch the SBG Program.  Combining the resources of the County and Cities, the program awarded grants up to $15,650 to 66 small businesses.  The SBG Program helped local businesses create and retain more than 40 jobs, and provide goods and services to over 179,000 residents, of which 54% residents are low- and moderate-income.

A recipient of the SBG Program and owner of Galaxy Enterprises, Inc., Henry Talei, said, “We have been in Commerce for over 30 years.  We employ many of the locals and service many of the locals.  We are now fighting for survival due to this pandemic-caused economic recession.  Having money now to pay our costs and keep us and our employees alive is a big win, not only for all of us, but for the City of Commerce.”

In a time of unprecedented uncertainty, keeping businesses open brought a sense of normalcy, safety, and comfort to the overall community.  This intergovernmental approach provided a total of $690,000 to small businesses across Los Angeles County.  A ripple effect brought broad benefit to local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and sustained the solvency of the businesses and the livelihood of their families, their employees, and the residents they serve.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the NCDA for our collective efforts in supporting small businesses.  The SBG Program is a great example of what we can achieve when we collaborate with our local cities and businesses and adapt,” said LACDA Executive Director Emilio Salas.

NCDA will recognize recipients of the 2021 Audrey Nelson Award at the virtual Community Development Best Practices Session on January 29, 2021.