Metro’s Business Interruption Fund was started to assist small businesses that may be impacted by construction of Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX line, the Little Tokyo area along the Regional Connector and Phase I of the Purple Line Extension.

Nearly $1 million in grants have been awarded since the first checks were distributed to qualifying merchants in April. The fund aims to provide assistance so that affected businesses can remain open throughout construction and realize the benefits of the new rail lines once completed. 

In the weeks ahead, we’ll be spotlighting a few of the businesses and their owners that have received assistance from the fund.

Sense Fashion

Eunice Pae, owner of Sense Fashion. Photo by Gary Leonard/Metro.

Sense Fashion, located in Crenshaw Square, was founded by Eunice Pae in 1991. The store sells women’s apparel and accessories with an Afro-centric flair.

Since day one, Ms. Pae has successfully operated the store as its sole employee. Over the years, she has managed to survive in an ultra competitive environment with a keen eye for fashion trends and aggressive pricing. It also helps that she is very passionate about her business and retains a loyal customer base.

She moved her business to its current location in Crenshaw Square in 2009 to take advantage of the high-traffic location.

Ms. Pae says she is very grateful for the Business Improvement Fund grant.  As a result of her successful business revenues, she was retained as a tenant by new management and recently signed a new five-year lease.

To learn more about Metro’s Business Improvement Fund or how to apply for a grant, visit the Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corp (PCR).

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