By Los Angeles County Politics
It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a boots-on-the-ground nonprofit working with the City of Los Angeles to help street vendors build a business.
After ICON [Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods] CDC joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in Boyle Heights last week, it distributed four fully licensed sidewalk vending carts to local entrepreneurs. The groups also shared resources with anyone interested in launching or strengthening a microbusiness.
“ICON CDC has been partnering with Mayor Bass and the Community Investment Department to create entrepreneurial opportunities for hundreds of sidewalk food vendors across the City of Los Angeles. Over the past three years, ICON CDC has provided education and technical assistance to more than 1,000 individuals and provided permitted food carts to more than 100 eligible small business owners,” said ICON CDC Executive Director Roberto Barragan.
Bass noted Boyle Heights is a community that has been through much – most recently the Lineage warehouse fire – but it was always built on hard work, strength, and resilience and local families and businesses have always found ways to overcome challenges and support one another.
“Our street vendors are a powerful example of that spirit, turning their dreams into businesses to support their families. And as small businesses continue to recover from the Lineage warehouse fire, we are investing in them and working to protect jobs as we continue fighting for environmental justice. Boyle Heights deserves a city that shows up, stands with its people, and delivers real support. That is exactly what we will continue to do,” said Bass.
ICON CDC helps sidewalk vendors navigate the requirements for operating legally and safely. It provides training and help with applications, required documents, health and safety rules and business licensing, including the city’s Business Tax Registration Certificate, StreetsLA vending permits for food and merchandise, and county Department of Public Health permits.
Through the city’s Sidewalk Vending Cart Program, run by the Community Investment Department in partnership with ICON CDC, eligible vendors can receive carts designed for safe and compliant sidewalk vending, along with help with permits and compliance and other business resources.
The program also offers workshops and one-on-one training to help vendors understand the permitting process, stay in compliance, and find financing and other resources to start and grow their businesses. Cart availability depends on program requirements and available funding.
For more information, visit iconcdc.org.
