By Los Angeles County Politics
ICON Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) this week announced the launch of the Van Nuys Blvd Business Survival Center and Small Business Success Loan Fund, a new $2 million initiative designed to help stabilize and revitalize small businesses along the Van Nuys Boulevard commercial corridor as they face economic pressures from recent wildfires, immigration enforcement actions, and the construction of the Metro East San Fernando Valley Light Rail project.
The initiative will provide direct financial support, technical assistance, and relocation resources to legacy small businesses that have served the San Fernando Valley for decades but now face declining foot traffic, rising uncertainty, and potential displacement during the multi-year rail construction project.
Many of the businesses along Van Nuys Boulevard have operated for more than 10 years but rent their spaces on a month-to-month basis and have limited off-street parking, making them especially vulnerable to income disruptions and relocation pressures during periods of construction and economic instability.
“Small businesses along Van Nuys Boulevard are the backbone of the San Fernando Valley’s local economy and neighborhood identity,” said Roberto Barragan, Executive Director of ICON CDC. “Through the Business Survival Center and the Small Business Success Loan Fund, we are investing directly in the resiliency of these businesses—providing the capital, technical assistance, and strategic support they need to navigate construction impacts, stabilize their operations, and continue serving the community for years to come.”
The initiative also responds to decades of economic challenges along the corridor.
Since the 1970s, the Van Nuys commercial district has experienced a gradual decline as longtime retail anchors moved to other areas. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend as many retail and food establishments were forced to close during lockdowns.
ICON CDC’s new initiative aims to stabilize existing businesses while supporting a broader Van Nuys Commercial Corridor Revitalization effort in collaboration with state and local elected officials.
The Business Survival Center will provide direct support services to businesses along the corridor, including:
- Outreach and engagement with businesses along Van Nuys Boulevard
- Assistance accessing the Metro Business Interruption Fund (BIF) program
- Technical assistance and business advisory services
- Business restructuring assistance
- Relocation support for businesses impacted by construction
- Community engagement and planning support for corridor revitalization
As part of the new initiative, ICON CDC has established a $1 million revolving loan fund to provide affordable capital to small businesses. Whether the business has been impacted by COVID-19, wildfires, or other economic disruptions, the Small Business Loan Fund offers funding up to $100,000 to help businesses stabilize operations, invest in improvements, expand, or relocate if necessary.
Together, these investments represent a coordinated strategy to support small businesses, prevent displacement, and position the Van Nuys Boulevard corridor for long-term economic revitalization.
ICON Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) is a leading small business assistance and economic development organization serving Los Angeles County. ICON CDC provides capital, technical assistance, and strategic support to entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping communities build sustainable local economies and expand economic opportunity.
According to Metro’s website, construction has already begun on the $3.6 billion East San Fernando Valley Light Rail project, and the line is expected to be operational by 2031.
