Los Angeles County and LA City Announce Wildfire Relief Funds for Small Businesses and Workers
Now Accepting Contributions to Bolster Relief Efforts
Los Angeles, CA (January 24, 2025) — In the aftermath of devastating windstorms and wildfires that have disrupted lives and businesses across Los Angeles County, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) today announced the launch of the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds. The two funds create a public-private partnership to provide immediate relief for wildfire-impacted small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and workers and are now welcoming philanthropic contributions. As part of the launch, DEO is directing $1 million in existing grant funds toward the impacted communities as part of the relief effort. These funds will be managed in collaboration with the County’s Center for Strategic Partnership and Southern California Grantmakers, the County’s fiscal sponsor.
The disaster is projected to cause economic damages exceeding $250 billion and has already become one of the costliest natural disasters in recent history. Beyond property damage, businesses and workers in affected areas face compounding challenges, from job losses due to closures and significant income disruptions. These new funds offer targeted relief in the form of cash assistance grants as the region starts its longer-term economic recovery efforts.
Applications for the funds for eligible small businesses and workers are set to open in February 2025, offering grants between $2,000 and $25,000 for eligible small businesses and nonprofits, and $2,000 for displaced workers. DEO and EWDD have partnered with Southern California Grantmakers and AidKit as third-party administrators to spread awareness of the opportunity, assist with the application process, and distribute funds directly to awardees.
The County and the City in partnership with other impacted municipalities will support in-language and culturally competent outreach and technical assistance for application submission to the impacted community at Disaster Recovery Centers upon application launch in February as well as through America’s Job Centers of California, the County’s Office of Small Business, the City’s Workforce and Business Source Centers, and local community-based organizations and community development financial institutions.
“The wildfires have had devastating impacts across our communities, disrupting the lives of residents, workers, and small business owners,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District. “LA County has launched the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds, ensuring critical financial support reaches those who need it most. Together, we’re committed to rebuilding our communities quickly and equitably, ensuring no one is left behind in the recovery process.”
“Altadena is known for its beloved small businesses, committed nonprofits, and dedicated workers who’ve invested countless hours of their time, talent, and passion into their community,” Chair Kathryn Barger said. “Rebuilding Altadena means we have to bolster our local economy, local businesses and nonprofits, and local workforce. This grant program will offer a helping hand when employers and employees need it most.”
“The City and the County are coming together to make clear that in Los Angeles, we stand together. This new fund will help thousands of businesses and workers recover faster from the firestorm’s impacts with the support that they deserve. LA Strong means coming together and supporting one another toward a monumental recovery, and I know that through partnership with our philanthropic and private partners that is exactly what we will do,” said Mayor Karen Bass.
“Together we are laying the foundation for our communities to restore and rebuild more resiliently and are providing an avenue for our philanthropic partners to act now with the County,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO. “These targeted funds, including our County investments, will provide relief to displaced workers, businesses, and their families to regain their footing with direct cash assistance today as we begin our collective work for full recovery in the days to come.”
“As we face the economic challenges brought on by these wildfires, we acknowledge the financial hardships many Angelenos are experiencing. The City, in collaboration with our partners, is dedicated to offering the financial assistance needed to help affected businesses and workers recover, rebuild, and thrive once again in the communities they call home,” said Carolyn Hull, General Manager, Economic and Workforce Development Department for the City of Los Angeles.
“Southern California Grantmakers is honored to partner with Los Angeles County and the Center for Strategic Partnerships to launch the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds to support those affected by the recent fires. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing urgent community needs and fostering resilience. By facilitating this critical funding, we aim to empower individuals and businesses as they recover and rebuild, ensuring that Southern California’s communities emerge stronger and more united,” said Christine Essel, President and CEO of Southern California Grantmakers.
This fund will be made possible with help from our philanthropic partners, including a grant of $500,000 from Wells Fargo. We are grateful to our partners for committing funds to support small businesses impacted by the fires. Gregg Sherkin, Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo said, “The LA wildfires have been devastating to the small business community and the many people they employ. Wells Fargo wants small business owners to know they are not alone as they face rebuilding, and we are grateful to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department for their leadership and collaboration in establishing these funds.”
Organizations interested in contributing can contact Stephanie Holloway, Head of Intergovernmental Relations and Development with the LA County DEO, at sholloway@opportunity.
For more information about the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds, visit http://lacounty.gov/relief.
