Metro’s Business Interruption Fund was started to assist small businesses that may be impacted by construction of Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX line, Little Tokyo along the Regional Connector and Section 1 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.

For the past few weeks, we’ve been spotlighting a few of the businesses and their owners that have received assistance from the fund.

Maurice Guillmeno

Maurice Guillmeno at King of Kuts. Photo by Gary Leonard/Metro.

Maurice Guillmeno grew up watching his father cut hair at Magnificent Brothers, the first barbershop along Crenshaw Boulevard. Following in his father’s footsteps, he earned his hair stylist license in August 1995 when he was only 16 years old. Since then, he’s spent his entire career working along the Crenshaw corridor.

He currently operates out of King of Kuts, a 30-year old neighborhood institution. Considered a master barber, Maurice is well-known and sought after with a loyal customer base.

Maurice says the Business Interruption Fund grant has inspired him to take his business to a new level.

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).

Previous spotlights:  Southern Girl Desserts, Sense Fashion, Lula Washington Dance Company