The Los Angeles Post

Supervisor Barger and L.A. County’s New Department of Economic Opportunity Celebrate Completed Small Business Restoration Projects in Altadena

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Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Los Angeles County’s new Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) celebrated the completion of two storefront beautification projects in Altadena and named several additional small businesses that will receive support from the DEO’s RENOVATE Program.

Bo’s Altadena Market, ABI Insurance Services, Altadena Art Studio and Geoff’s Barber Shop located at 149-161 W. Altadena Drive are the additional businesses that will participate in the County’s efforts to revitalize businesses in Altadena.

Through RENOVATE, eligible business owners receive financial support, technical assistance, help with architectural design, environmental testing, abatement, construction, and project management services to modernize aging storefronts.

“These renovation projects are an investment in the small businesses that are the economic engines of our unincorporated communities,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Altadena residents are proud to support local businesses and the RENOVATE Program is one way our County shows its support at the government level. I look forward to helping more small business owners thrive in our unincorporated areas by promoting opportunities to participate in this program. It provides a helping hand for capital improvements that small business owners often need.”

Supervisor Barger recently visited two of the businesses participating in RENOVATE: Pizza of Venice and Fair Oaks Burgers. A short video featuring Supervisor Barger’s visit, testimonials from each business owner, and comments by the DEO’s Executive Director can be accessed here.

“Our small businesses provide goods and services, hire locally, and bring together communities in meaningful ways every day,” said Kelly LoBianco, DEO Director. “The RENOVATE Program helps amplify the incredible value small businesses contribute to our local economies. By restoring and updating facades for small businesses, we support businesses in building inviting spaces for loyal customers and driving new interest to commercial corridors throughout our unincorporated areas. We’re grateful for the continued support of our Board of Supervisors for the program and specifically to Supervisor Barger for the Altadena projects.”

Most businesses in commercial buildings located in unincorporated Los Angeles County communities are eligible to participate. Once selected, business owners receive a grant that covers all costs associated with facade improvement work, including design and engineering services.

Funded through the County’s Economic Development Trust Fund Initiative, the average RENOVATE grant is $175,000. Since the program’s inception, 73 storefronts have been redesigned and restored. An additional 36 are in progress and will be completed soon.

For additional information or to apply for RENOVATE Program support, dial (213) 705-7597. To learn more about the new L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity, visit opportunity.lacounty.gov or follow @EconOppLA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.