My former employer/friend laid me off owing me $2400. He continually said he'd pay me soon. But when my home was in danger of being foreclosed on, my lender wanted proof that the money was owed, so I took him to small claims court. The court ruled in my favor. That was over one year ago and I still have not received any money. I've heard that unless he applies for a loan I may never get the money owed to me ( If he applies for a loan, the loan would not be granted until his debt to me has been taken care of. )
Is there something else I can do, such as file a writ, to put pressure on him to pay me?

Find out where he banks and put a freeze on his accounts to have the money garnished.

This is the Catch 22 of judgements. Getting the judgement is generally the easy part, but then you have to collect. You need to find his assets and file for a writ of attachment.

Did you sue your employer personally or his company?

Some states permit oral hearing in which you can demand they list their assets for you to attach. Check the court rules in your states

We concur with all the other posts thus far.

We would only add that a garnishment can generally be used to intercept any money destined for a debtor. Consequently, if you know who the customers are of your former employer you could direct garnishments to them.