To celebrate over $100 million in grants awarded to small businesses, microentrepreneurs, and nonprofits across Los Angeles County through the L.A. Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund, the county and city of Los Angeles are hosting a social media celebration which began on Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

With millions in additional grant funding on its way, the L.A. Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund will convene a virtual forum on Jan. 29 for those interested in receiving assistance to learn about upcoming opportunities. To register, visit bit.ly/lacovidfundregister.

This unique partnership between the county and city of Los Angeles, as well its philanthropic partners, has benefited more than 7,000 Angelenos across the region. Grant awardees of the fund received between $5,000 and $100,000 in needs-based relief.

 “Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy, and this fund has served as a lifeline as they navigate the uncertain waters of the COVID-19,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

Many of the federal programs designed to address the crisis had limitations which left Angelenos in need. Financial, technical and cultural barriers have kept some of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable small businesses from accessing federal programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan. The L.A. Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund addressed these issues by providing additional support to underserved communities throughout Los Angeles.

The fund included a technical assistance program to coordinate among local nonprofits and support applicants throughout the application and funding process. This program was one of many ways the fund addressed the gap left by federal programs and ensured those most vulnerable and in need had equitable access to apply for the funding available.

For information, visit bit.ly/RecoveryGrantToolkit.