Restaurant Grant Program

The City of West Hollywood is launching a targeted Restaurant Grant Program to assist eligible restaurants facing economic pressure from rising operating costs, lease obligations, and reduced sales volumes. Known for its vibrant and diverse dining scene, West Hollywood has experienced transitions that have made it more challenging for small, local restaurants to sustain operations. In response, and following extensive outreach efforts, the City has created a grant initiative to support short-term recovery and business retention. This grant program is made possible through a $250,000 allocation from the City’s General Fund, as approved by the West Hollywood City Council at its meeting on January 20, 2026. The funding serves as a one-time infusion to provide immediate assistance during a historically slower sales period. The application period opens on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Awards will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to confirmation of eligibility and demonstrated financial hardship. Grants will be provided based on the square footage of the applicant’s restaurant: $7,500 for establishments under 1,250 square feet, $10,000 for those between 1,251 and 2,000 square feet, and $12,500 for restaurants over 2,000 square feet. To be eligible, restaurants must be brick-and-mortar businesses physically located within West Hollywood, with operations having commenced prior to January 1, 2025. Restaurants must hold a current Business Tax Certificate and Business License and may not be located in or affiliated with hotels. Applicants must complete the online application and submit a written narrative describing the restaurant’s current financial condition. Required documents include: a completed Form W-9, the most recent tax return, a 2025 profit and loss statement, a Public Eating Business License, and a signed California Levine Act Statement. Restaurants selected for funding must also execute the City’s official Grant Agreement prior to receiving funds. This grant is not recurring and is intended as a one-time support program. Notifications regarding application outcomes will be issued in March 2026. For questions about the Restaurant Grant Program, applicants can contact Paolo Kespradit, Business Development Manager for the City of West Hollywood, at (323) 848-6556 or pkespradit@weho.org. TTY and relay services are also available for applicants who are Deaf or hard of hearing.