How To Apply
CAF uses a two-phase application process. The Phase I Application period closed on June 30, 2026. Phase II is an invitation-only Application.
Key resources
Phase 1 Application Materials
Application Process
Two-phase Application
Phase I
Pre-Qualification
Open to all eligible applicants
Applicants will be required to submit eligibility forms along with a proposed project plan that includes, but is not limited to: a description of the proposed businesses or mixed-use development plan, project teaming and partnership arrangements, and corridors or neighborhood(s) of interest.
Applicants do not need to have a property identified before applying for Phase I.
The County will select up to three projects per Supervisorial District. Selected applicants will be notified via email and invited to begin Phase II.
Phase II
Project Development & Fund Application
Invite-Only
During Phase II, selected applicants will work closely with Genesis LA to prepare an application for loan award. Through this process, selected applicants will identify a target property, refine their project proposal and business plan, and solidify the funding plan for full project implementation (acquisition, tenant improvement / development, and operation).
Selected applicants will submit a final application inclusive of the project proposal and requested loan amount.
Dates & Deadlines
Application Timeline
Phase I
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Applicant Preparation
Connect with potential partners
Review program guidelines and eligibility requirements
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Pre-Qualification Application Submission
(Opens May 5; Due June 30)
Including but not limited to:
Organizational background information
Proposed project plan with vision for property, partnership arrangements, and corridor(s) or neighborhood(s) of interest.
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Eligibility Screening
(6-8 weeks)
Pre-qualification applicants scored based on their organizational and financial capacity, their proposed project, and their past experiences with economic and community development activities.
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Pre-Qualification Notification
(Anticipated the week of 8/17/2026)
The County will select up to three projects per Supervisorial District to advance to Phase II.
Phase II
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Technical Assistance
(Anticipated starting week of 8/24/2026 and ending week of 9/21/2026)
Selected applicants work closely with Genesis LA to prepare a full application for loan award, including, but not limited to, support with site selection, business planning, and predevelopment activities.
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Full Application Submission
(Anticipated opening the week of 8/24/2026 and closing the week of 9/28/2026)
Including but not limited to:
Additional organizational information and documentation
Full business plan, including budget, operating proforma, and financing plan for the property acquisition, rehabilitation or redevelopment, and operations
Property documentation
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Evaluation
(4-6 weeks)
A committee reviews and evaluates full applications
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Conditional Award
(Anticipated the week of 11/9/2026)
Conditional awards are issued with the final award amount and the required timeline for an awardee to close on property acquisition
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Acquisition
(Winter 2026 / 2027)
Forgiveable loans are dispersed at acquisition closing and covenants are recorded with the land
Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria for Phases I & II
The Phase I Application will assess Applicants by considering the following key criteria:
Primary Criteria
Project Vision
Coherence across proposed project type, development scope, tenant plan, and leasing approach
Substantiation of budget estimates and financing plans
Potential impact of proposed project
Alignment between Applicant’s Capacity & Project Vision
Alignment between Applicant’s capacity (including past real estate experiences, current staffing capacity, and financial readiness) and Applicant’s proposed project vision
Secondary Criteria
Priority Locations(s)
Interest in properties near County’s prioritized commercial corridors.
Financial Health
Financial health and readiness to own, improve, and operate a commercial or mixed-use property.
Community Development Background
Past experiences with economic and community development, including experiences working in the priority districts and neighborhoods.
Webinar Recording Library
Phase I Informational Webinar Recording
Available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Mandarin.
Stay updated on the application
Sign up to receive updates on the Phase I Application and FAQs.