CREATEWhere Neighbors Become Friends: Supporting Small Business Growth in LA
In LA’s diverse community, many small, underserved businesses lack the resources and infrastructure to grow. We address this issue at Neighbors and Friends by providing mentorship, space, and support, helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses in our incubator— whether it be food and other gift products that can be sold in our store. This initiative strengthens our local economies, amplifies community voices, and fosters inclusive growth in a city that thrives on its diverse small businesses.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Income inequality
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
San Gabriel Valley
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
We were on the frontlines of wildfire relief in Altadena, serving as one of the first distribution hubs when the fires ravaged Altadena. Starting on January 7th, we adapted quickly to meet our community’s urgent needs, with our collective café opening in November to support and uplift neighbors. Through this, we saw firsthand how some community members received more support than others, revealing stark inequalities and systemic injustices. This experience strengthened our resolve to not only provide disaster relief but to address the root causes of disparity by creating sustainable opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs. We seek to build a stronger, more equitable community where everyone has the resources and support to thrive.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
This grant will support our incubator program, designed to empower youth and underserved entrepreneurs in Pasadena and Altadena who were heavily impacted by the recent wildfires. The program provides tailored mentorship, skill-building workshops, and access to affordable kitchen and retail spaces, helping participants develop confidence and build sustainable businesses. Leveraging our deep roots in the community—built through personal and family ties—we connect these entrepreneurs with local neighbors and friends eager to buy their products. Despite having opened less than a year ago, our strong community relationships enable us to facilitate meaningful networking, market access, and growth opportunities. We are committed to helping these entrepreneurs scale their businesses by creating pathways for ongoing support, sales, and community integration, ultimately fostering economic resilience and a more equitable local economy.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
If our work is successful, Los Angeles County will be a more equitable and resilient community where our underserved neighbors, those most heavily impacted by the fires and those who have lost generations of wealth—are empowered to rebuild and thrive together. Our incubator program will provide entrepreneurs with the mentorship, resources, and connections needed to develop sustainable businesses, fostering economic growth and community pride. By creating systems that are rooted in strong relationships, we aim to break cycles of disparity and build a resilient, supportive network. Together, we will reimagine a future where neighbors uplift one another, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 20
Indirect Impact: 5,000