VSEDC stands in solidarity with our communities and businesses that have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires and wind storms.
Our team is ready to help our clients and small businesses in LA County with the following wildfire relief resources:
- Our BusinessSource Center staff will be assisting clients with applications to the LA County and LA City Wildfire Relief Funds for Small Businesses and Workers, which is awarding grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 for businesses in the fire zone and evacuation order zones levels 2 and 3 for both fires. Our EMI (Economic Mobility Initiative) team will actively support EMI participants and graduates with the grant application process as needed.
- VSEDC’s CDFI clients (people who have received a micro or small business loan from our revolving loan fund) can opt in to an interest-only payment program for the months of February-April 2025. The program is aimed at giving small businesses affected by the fires economic relief as they figure out next steps. Contact your Business Advisor directly for more information.
- If you are one of our restaurant clients affected by the wildfires, register now for the Restaurant Recovery & Growth: Strategies for Stabilization webinar, launching on February 17th from 10:00AM-11:00AM and taking place every third Monday of the month.
Below is a compilation of resources for impacted Los Angeles residents and businesses, with links to access them:
- SBA Disaster Loans – SBA Disaster Loans are now available for Los Angeles County victims of the wind and wildfire events. Available programs include Home Disaster Loans, Business Disaster Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Free, in-person and virtual loan application assistance and language support assistance is available at the nearest BusinessSource Centers.
- $10K grants: Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund – To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures, and provides relief through $10,000 grants. Applications for the current round close March 3, 2025 at 6:00PM ET.
- Grants for Food and Beverage Workers – 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.
- The City of Los Angeles Resources – Resources include: Re-Entry Information, Wildfire Recovery Resources, LA Disaster Relief Navigator, Damage Assessment Dashboard, Rain Impacts & Preparation, Pet Assistance Resources, Wildfire Updates & Evacuation Orders, Sign Up For LA City Emergency Orders, LA Strong Ways to Help, Report & Trash Power Outages, Request City Services
If you are a small business owner impacted by the LA wildfires, we encourage you to fill out the LA Region Wildfires Business Impact Survey to ensure your input contributes to the City of LA and LA County’s decision-making in the wake of the fires.
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