Commercial Acquisition Fund Program

The LA County Commercial Acquisition Fund (CAF) is a public-private partnership initiative led by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity in collaboration with Genesis LA Economic Growth Corporation, a certified Community Development Financial Institution. The program is designed to address structural barriers to commercial property ownership among small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and mission-aligned developers. By facilitating acquisition of commercial real estate, the fund seeks to stabilize neighborhoods, prevent displacement, and promote equitable economic development across Los Angeles County. The primary purpose of the fund is to provide forgivable loans to eligible applicants for the acquisition of vacant, abandoned, under-leased, or under-utilized commercial properties. These properties must ultimately be transformed into community-serving spaces that contribute to revitalizing neighborhood commercial corridors. The program emphasizes long-term economic sustainability by enabling local ownership and fostering environments where small businesses and community organizations can thrive. Priority is given to projects located along designated commercial corridors where the County is actively investing in revitalization. Funding through CAF is structured as forgivable loans, contingent upon compliance with long-term property covenants. These covenants extend for a 30-year period and require recipients and future property owners to adhere to specific conditions. These include rehabilitating acquired properties, offering below-market rents to tenants, ensuring that at least 51 percent of commercial space is leased to small businesses, and prioritizing tenants that provide community-serving uses. Additional requirements may apply for mixed-use developments, particularly those incorporating affordable housing components. Eligibility for the program includes small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and small-scale developers that meet specific operational and financial criteria. Small businesses must be independently owned, have average gross annual revenues of 16 million dollars or less, and employ no more than 100 employees, with stricter limits for manufacturers. Nonprofits must demonstrate legal standing, including appropriate incorporation documentation and tax-exempt status. Developers must have limited development scale, defined by cumulative project volume and number of completed or owned properties. All applicants must be registered in California, maintain a Los Angeles County business address, and demonstrate at least three years of operational experience. The application process is anticipated to open in cycles, with the next application release scheduled for May 5, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to sign up for updates and prepare documentation in advance. While detailed submission components are not fully outlined, applicants can expect to demonstrate eligibility, provide documentation of organizational structure and financial standing, and identify qualifying properties for acquisition. Additional criteria and requirements may be introduced during the formal application phase. Evaluation of applications is expected to align with program goals, including community impact, feasibility of redevelopment, and alignment with corridor revitalization priorities. Past program outcomes indicate significant investment impact, including acquisition of multiple properties and creation of space for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. While specific award timelines and performance periods are not explicitly stated, the long-term covenant requirements indicate a sustained commitment to community benefit over multiple decades. The program does not explicitly list a direct contact person, but applicants are directed to official program pages for updates and information. Interested parties should monitor announcements related to application cycles, informational webinars, and program FAQs. The recurring nature of the fund suggests ongoing opportunities for participation, with future cycles anticipated beyond the current release schedule.

Emphasize community impact, alignment with priority corridors, and plans to lease at least 51 percent of space to small businesses while maintaining long-term affordability