Local LA County Resources
Small Business Wildfire Relief & Recovery Resources
Small Business Wildfire Relief & Recovery Resources
Resources
Local LA County Resources
LA County Department of Economic Opportunity: LA County emergency resources for Small Business and Workers:
https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/how-we-help/emergency-resources/
Legal Resources
The County of Los Angeles Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and Public Counsel have teamed up to provide assistance and relief for these business owners. Through this partnership, we are here to easily connect LA Region’s small business owners with legal experts who can provide them with help ranging from basic legal information and guides regarding the legal issues impacting them to representation by an attorney to help address their immediate and long-term legal issues.
FEMA: Individual Assistance
Individuals and families in the designated areas may be eligible to receive money for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breast feeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. Eligible survivors may also receive money to help with housing needs if they cannot return to their home because of the fires. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while they find a more permanent housing solution.
In addition, eligible survivors may receive money for rental assistance, basic home repairs for their primary home, personal property losses and other eligible expenses related to the wildfires.
To learn more about the types of assistance available, visit the links:
Disaster Recovery Centers: sign up to get a case # and get one to one support to complete the application and assistance with recovering any lost important documentation.
One to One Business Support
and Assistance
These city and county centers can help you with applying for direct government assistance and loans.
LA City BusinessSource Centers:
Find a Location near you:
https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/local-business/businesssource-centers
SBDC Centers:
Disaster Response Guide:
https://smallbizla.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LA-SBDC_Disaster-Guide_Jan2025_ENG.pdf
Find a Location near you:
Grants
Small Business Strong Grant
SMALL BUSINESS STRONG
LA Wildfire Relief Fund
TMC Community Capital Small Business Strong: LA Wildfire Relief Fund
Eligibility Criteria:
- Small business owner/self-employed and this is your primary source of income
- You are/were unable to work because of evacuation orders, physical damage and/or you live/work in an impact area (eg. landscaper in an impact area) as a result of the wildfires that began on 1/7/25 in the LA area
- Annual revenue is under $250,000
$10K Grant
This fund primarily targets small businesses, particularly restaurants, that have been severely impacted by wildfi res. Grant-based support:
Businesses can apply for grants through the Hello Alice platform to receive fi nancial aid for rebuilding and recovery efforts. Eligibility criteria: To access the fund, businesses must meet specifi c criteria related to the location of their business, the extent of wildfire damage, and other factors.
#IFW4LA Los Angeles Fires Relief Fund Request Form
The recent devastating fires in Los Angeles have left many members of the IFundWomen community facing unimaginable loss. If you are an IFundWomen member and are in crisis due to the LA fires, please sign up here to be considered for a relief grant.
https://ifundwomen.typeform.com/to/zukxzDR2?typeform-source=www.ifundwomen.com
DIrect $500 Cash Assistance for Outdoor Workers
During the ongoing wildfire emergency in Los Angeles County, Inclusive Action has launched a new emergency fund to help outdoor workers – street vendors, landscapers, and recyclers – impacted by the fires. Through this fund, impacted outdoor workers can apply for one-time cash assistance support of $500. Recipients will receive cash payments on a first-come, first-served basis, and as funding allows.
Grant for Restaurants Impacted by Wildfires
Restaurants Care opened a temporary fund to provide emergency relief grants to food and beverage workers impacted by the Los Angeles Area Fires. Grants will range between $350-$1,500. Grants will be awarded based on need and available funding. Note: not all qualified applicants will be awarded funding due to the tremendous need and limited funds. To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- Be a California resident working in California
- Be currently employed by a restaurant or foodservice operation during the time of the fire
- Have worked in the foods industry for a minimum of 6 months
- Have proof of a financial hardship due to: Permanent loss of housing, temporary loss of housing, restaurant burned down or restaurant is temporarily closed.
$5,000 Grant for Small Businesses
The devastating fires in Los Angeles have affected countless lives – including thousands of small business owners. That’s why LiftFund is launching a $250,000 grant program to help restore and rebuild operations. Eligible business owners can get immediate assistance by applying for up to a $5,000 grant.
Loans
Fire Relief Loans
Jewish Free Loan Association is offering 0%, zero-fee loans to people of all faiths and backgrounds, including: individuals and families, small businesses and non-profits.
Disaster Express Loan Program
PACE Finance Corporation (PFC) has launched the Disaster Express Loan Program to deliver fast, flexible, and affordable financial assistance to individuals, families, and small businesses affected by the 2025 California wildfires.
If you’re in need of additional wildfire resources, click here to view PACE’s full resource list.
Program: Disaster Express Loan Program
Loan Amount: $5,000
Interest Rate: 5% annum fixed
Loan Term: 24 months, first payment deferred for 3 months
Loan Purpose: Immediate disaster relief & working capital
https://pacela.org/2025/01/16/disaster-express-loan-program/
SBA Loans for Disaster Recovery
Learn about the types of disaster relief low interest loans SBA disaster loans cover different types of losses after a declared disaster. Learn more about each type of loan and if you are eligible. Available for individuals and businesses.
- Business Physical Disaster Loan – provides for the repair or replacement of buildings, machinery, fixtures, and inventory
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) – assists with operational costs whether or not a disaster caused physical damage to a business
- Home and personal property loans – helps homeowners and renters replace or repair damaged homes, cars, appliances, furniture, and clothing
- Military Reservists Economic Injury Loans – helps businesses cover operational expenses if an essential employee is called to duty as a military reservist
https://www.usa.gov/disaster-small-business
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires
*Please be mindful of deadlines and eligibility criteria