Concepcion Nuñez, the owner of Nuñez Hair Styling, has leased the same location for more than 10 years and never missed a rent payment. “As a child, I was taught to always pay and pay on time. The pandemic hit unexpectedly and everyone’s circumstances suddenly changed,” she said.

Concepcion was heartbroken when she had to close her business temporarily due to the City’s Safer at Home ordinance. When her salon reopened, business was slow-moving and she was unable to pay her rent. Concepcion was referred to Harbor BusinessSource Center (BSC) Business Coach Reyna Chavez to help her find specific programs that would be able to help keep her business afloat.

In May 2022, Reyna assisted Concepcion with her online application for Round 1 of the City of LA’s Small Business Rental Assistance Program. Reyna helped Concepcion upload multiple required documents, including her business bank statements, tax returns, lease agreement and proof of previous rent payments in order to help ease Concepcion’s application process.

In early June 2022, Concepcion received great news that she was selected for the Rental Assistance program and began receiving technical assistance from the Business Coach. With the help of the Harbor BSC, Concepcion received a $5,790 rental assistance grant that helped her cover back rent due to COVID-19.

Concepcion also received a one-on-one consultation on how to navigate her business during COVID, including access to capital resources to help her expand her business. “I’m grateful for programs that exist like the BusinessSource Center, without the help of programs like this it would be difficult to apply on my own” Her landlord was very understanding about the situation himself and is also grateful for the support the City of Los Angeles is providing to Small Businesses today.

Nuñez Hair Styling is located 5417 Santa Monica Boulevard in LA City Council District 13.

EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers offer resources to microenterprises, small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the City of Los Angeles. These efforts work to revitalize the local economy by helping business owners launch viable businesses, grow revenue streams, and stabilize and create jobs. Visit EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers and learn more about EWDD's Business Services.

Many residents of the City of Los Angeles have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Many are faced with job loss or are struggling to keep their businesses operational. EWDD is diligently working to provide crucial services, grants and programs. Check out our Recovery Resources page to learn more. We're here to help.