As wildfires continue to spread in Los Angeles, many small businesses face significant challenges in navigating recovery. At Small Business Majority, we remain dedicated to providing resources for small business owners impacted by natural disasters. To help local Los Angeles communities, we've compiled a list of available grants, disaster loans, healthcare resources and other resources that can offer support.
We will update this list as more resources become available in the coming weeks.
Emergency grants available now
- The Small Business Strong LA Wildfire Relief Fund is providing $5,000 relief grants to small businesses and self-employed workers unable to work due to evacuation, damage, or being in a wildfire impact area.
- The Cerf+ Craft Emergency Relief Fund is providing $3,000 Emergency Relief Grants to craft artists who experienced a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.
- The Restaurants Care Food and Beverage Worker Fund is providing grants ranging between $350-$1,500 to food and beverage workers impacted by the Los Angeles Area Fires.
- Impacted outdoor workers can apply for a one-time cash assistance of $500 through The Open Air Worker Emergency Fund from Inclusive Action for the City. Recipients will receive cash payments on a first-come, first-served basis, and as funding allows. (Closed for applications, but accepting donations)
- The LiftFund Business Relief Grant is a $250,000 grant program to help restore and rebuild operations. Eligible business owners can get immediate assistance by applying for up to $5,000. (Currently Closed)
Federal disaster loans available now
Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Southern California small businesses, homeowners and renters in Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
- Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible. To apply, click here.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses. Businesses can apply for loans of up to $2 million. To apply, click here.
- Home Disaster Loans: Disaster loans of up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters also are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles. To apply, click here.
For additional questions, applicants may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected].
California state disaster loans available now
- JumpStart Loan Program (California IBank): IBank is offering loans from $500 to $10,000 to low-wealth entrepreneurs in the declared disaster and emergency areas through its Jump Start Loan Program. To apply, please click here.
- Disaster Relief Guarantee Loan Program (California IBank): Small businesses, including small farms, nurseries, agriculture-related enterprises and nonprofits that have suffered an economic loss and/or physical damage may apply. Provides a “loan guarantee” of up to $1 million for small business borrowers in declared disaster areas. To apply, please click here.
- California Capital Access Program (State Treasurer’s Office): If your business is in an economically distressed geographic area, your existing loans may be eligible for credit enhancements. To complete the Supplemental Severely Affected Community certification form, click here.
- Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation: If you are looking for assistance with applying for disaster loans or secure employment, the LAEDC offers consulting services at no cost or obligation. To apply click here or contact their team by calling (213) 622-4300.
FEMA assistance
For individual assistance through FEMA, apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (4:00am to 10:00pm PT). Assistance is available in multiple languages.
FEMA has opened disaster relief centers at both UCLA and Pasadena City College in Westwood and Pasadena:
UCLA Research Park
10850 W Pico Blvd | Los Angeles, CA 90064
Pasadena City College Community Education Center
3035 E Foothill Blvd | Pasadena, CA 91107
Learn more about FEMA Financial Assistance with these FAQs.
What assistance you can expect from the relief center:
- If you have lost vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, driver’s licenses, social security documentation)
- If you have lost your home or business and need help applying for disaster relief loans
- The relief center will also provide referrals for mental health counseling and other services.
To learn more about the FEMA Disaster Relief Centers, click here.
Insurance resources
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has released a number of resources for those filing insurance claims, including:
Find more resources on the California Department of Insurance website.
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 small business owners.
If you were affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles and are seeking free legal assistance, please visit: LALegalHelp.org
Healthcare resource
AltaMed Services at the Pasadena Convention Center is providing complete primary care healthcare services to evacuees impacted by the Eaton Fire at the Pasadena Convention Center from 7:00am to 7:00pm If you need in-person or telehealth care, call 888-499-9303, use the AltaMed patient portal, or visit an open AltaMed clinic.
Additional resources
LA County Relief: Funding & Resource Portal
The LA County Relief Portal serves as a one-stop resource to connect with trusted organizations that are providing crucial relief and support to those affected. Find funds focused on supporting first responders, offering housing assistance, providing relief for small businesses and workers, and removing barriers for students and communities.
Weekly updates on free workforce assistance:
The City of LA’s Rapid Response Team is offering free employment transition services. The orientations provide information about job opportunities, unemployment benefits, healthcare, training and other services. There will be daily weekday orientations at 10am and 6:00pm PT in both English and Spanish. There will be a 10:00am PT session on Saturdays.
To register for a session below:
For additional information on resources available to LA business owners, visit the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.