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.

More than $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.

Love’s Furniture

Chong-Yong Yun and Kyoung-Rhan Yun. Photo: Gary Leonard/Metro

Love’s Furniture located at 4082 S. Crenshaw Blvd. has been a staple in the Crenshaw community since 1998.

The second-hand furniture store is owned by Chong-Yong Yun and Kyoung-Rhan Yun, who are passionate about their business and cherish the positive relationships they’ve established with their customers — many who live in the community — over the years.

The couple opened their store nearly 20 years after they immigrated to the United States. Prior to becoming a storeowner, Chong-Yong served in the U.S. Army and worked in the hotel industry.

Their store sells a variety of pre-assembled furniture including tables, beds, lamps, dressers and paintings. The Yuns pride themselves in never having a dissatisfied customer or a customer issue they couldn’t resolve in their more than 17 years in business.

On receiving assistance from the Business Interruption Fund, the couple says they are thankful that the fund is there to help business owners like themselves, adding that “it has been a huge help to our current situation.”

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:  Pro Image Sports, Southern Girl Desserts, Sense Fashion, Lula Washington Dance Company, Maurice Guillmeno,