Altadena Commercial Recovery

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is firmly committed to the recovery and revitalization of Altadena’s commercial corridors—particularly those affected by the 2025 Eaton Fire. These corridors are central to the community’s identity and economic vitality, driving local commerce and sustaining the livelihoods of families, workers, and local businesses. Restoring them is essential not only to Altadena’s full recovery, but to its long-term resilience and continued economic growth.

DEO is leading commercial recovery efforts and supporting regional resource coordination through several pathways:

Altadena Commercial Concierge Program

Government navigation and 1:1 technical assistance to advance recovery and rebuild

Capital Financing

Access to grants and loans to support commercial recovery and rebuild

Business Support Programs

Specialized technical assistance and training for businesses, such as legal aid, financial counseling, and marketing

Altadena Commercial Concierge Program

Supporting the Recovery of Commercial Corridors through Targeted, Long-Term, Individualized Assistance

The January 2025 Eaton Fire and windstorm created significant challenges for Altadena’s small businesses and commercial property owners. To support a faster and more coordinated recovery, DEO, through its Office of Small Business (OSB) and under the direction of Supervisor Kathryn Barger, launched the Altadena Commercial Concierge Program, which offers the following through dedicated concierge representatives and business consultants:

Altadena SmallBiz Permit Express

Expediting permitting assistance and case management support

Learn More

Individualized Technical Assistance

Long-term, one-on-one technical assistance that guides businesses through every stage of recovery

Learn More

Business Resources

Referrals to available DEO and partner Business Support Programs through the Altadena Commercial Recovery Partnership, including specialized technical assistance and training and capital

Learn More

Altadena SmallBiz Permit Express

The Altadena SmallBiz Permit Express helps property owners and businesses rebuild, expand, or launch more quickly in Altadena by reducing confusion, identifying issues early, and providing clear, reliable guidance throughout the permitting process. Participants are paired with a dedicated concierge representative who supports businesses every step of the way, ensuring a smoother and more efficient path to project completion.

Services include:

Pre-plan submittal meetings with relevant County departments
Coordination with the LA County Rebuild Authority and with the Department of Public Works, Regional Planning, Fire, Public Health, and other agencies
Hands-on navigation and rapid troubleshooting
Clear, timely communication with consistent project updates
Support navigating permitting and licensing requirements across local, state, and federal agencies

Up to 25% faster turnaround compared to standard permitting

To apply, follow directions on the application guide below. Applicants must:

Eligibility

For businesses pursuing permits and/or licenses to open, rebuild, or build a commercial space in Altadena

Proof of business, nonprofit, or commercial property ownership. Less than 100 employees and $19 million or less in revenue averaged for previous three tax years

Application Resources:

Apply for Altadena SmallBiz Permit Express

Apply Here

Individualized Technical Assistance

Businesses, non-profits, or property owners in Altadena are paired with a dedicated business consultant who provides ongoing, personalized support based on their specific needs, including referral to relevant resources. All participants enrolled in SmallBiz Permit Express are automatically eligible for and connected to individualized technical assistance.

Through the individualized technical assistance (TA), businesses receive the following:

A business assessment to identify specific needs and gaps
An individualized Action Plan designed to meet the recovery needs and goals of each participant
Regular check-ins and guidance from a dedicated business consultant to support implementation and completion of the Action Plan
Guidance on operations, finances, marketing, hiring, and more
Direct connections to applicable County and regional resources

To apply, follow directions on the application guide below. Applicants must:

Eligibility

Pursuing current or future business operations in Altadena

Proof of business or nonprofit ownership. Less than 100 employees and $19 million or less in revenue averaged for previous three tax years

Submit a simple application form

If eligible, applicants are asked to schedule a meeting with a business consultant beginning in July 2026

Meet with a dedicated business consultant to complete a business assessment and develop an Action Plan

Receive and complete SmallBiz Permit Express Questionnaire prior to first scheduled meeting

Altadena SmallBiz Permit Express participants do not need to apply.

Apply for Individualized Technical Assistance

Apply Here

DEO Business Resources

LA County Commercial Acquisition Fund

The LA County Commercial Acquisition Fund (CAF) empowers small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and mission-aligned developers to purchase neighborhood commercial real estate and transform vacant and underutilized properties into vibrant, community-serving spaces throughout LA County.

Phase I Application closes on June 30, 2026.

Small Business Mobility Fund Launch Grants – Closed

This fund is no longer accepting applications. Grants were available to new and existing businesses launching a brick-and-mortar location in retail commercial spaces with a storefront, as well as non-retail commercial spaces in the unincorporated areas of the County.

LA Region Small Business Relief Fund – Closed

This fund is no longer accepting applications. The LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds were intended to provide immediate relief in the form of direct financial support to businesses, nonprofits, and workers impacted by the Windstorm and Wildﬁres of January 2025.

County Certification

LA County offers business certifications with preference programs for local small businesses, disadvantaged veteran-owned businesses, and social enterprises. Learn more and apply HERE

LA County APEX Accelerator

LA County offers an APEX Accelerator with technical assistance on local, state, and federal certification, contract readiness and competitiveness, and bid research and submission. Book an appointment HERE.

Marketing Lab+ – Closed

Marketing Lab + provides Provides eligible small businesses with in‑depth, 1:1 marketing support designed to accelerate growth. Through customized guidance, expert consultation, and tailored services, participants receive direct assistance to strengthen their brand, improve visibility, reach new customers, maximize their presence, and gain a competitive edge in today’s digital economy.

Shop Local LA County Gift Card

Customers can purchase a Shop Local Los Angeles County Gift Card to use at an eligible impacted business in the Recover Local Business Directory and get a bonus gift card equal to 50%* of the amount of the original Gift Card purchased.