LA County Emergency Resources for Workers and Businesses

LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds

LA County, LA City, Southern California Grantmakers, and partners have launched an LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Fund for small businesses, nonprofits, and workers impacted by the 2025 wind and wildfire disaster. The program will provide grants up to $25,000 for eligible small businesses and nonprofits and $2,000 for workers.

Applications are now closed. 

LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds

LA County, LA City, Southern California Grantmakers, and partners have launched an LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Fund for small businesses, nonprofits, and workers impacted by the 2025 wind and wildfire disaster. The program will provide grants up to $25,000 for eligible small businesses and nonprofits and $2,000 for workers.

Applications are now closed. 

The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program provides immediate hiring and training support for impacted and dislocated workers from the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires in partnership with DEO and the region’s America’s Job Centers of California.

Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and DEO have launched the Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund (BIF) to support small businesses suffering financial losses as a direct result of the loss of customers due to the closures of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. This targeted grant program offers to $10,000 to $20,000 in funding to eligible businesses located in ZIP codes 90265 (Malibu) and 90290 (Topanga).

In response to the January 2025 Windstorms and Wildfires, DEO is providing 500 Youth@Work job opportunities for youth and young adults ages 14–24 who were impacted by the Eaton Fire.

Youth who lived or are currently living in the fire zone, evacuation order zone, or evacuation warning zone during the Eaton Fire emergency are eligible to apply.

California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) offers loan programs for businesses affected by disasters in California. IBank, a unit within California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), offers loan programs for businesses from 1 to 750 employees (small businesses).

• Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP): Businesses in disaster areas can secure up to 95% of the loan amount to help small business borrowers who were impacted by disasters or public safety power shutoffs and who need term loans or lines of credit for working capital with limits up to $1 million.
• Jump Start Loan Program: IBank offers loans from $500 to $10,000 to low-wealth entrepreneurs in the declared disaster and emergency areas.

California State Treasurer’s Office CA Capital Access Program (CalCAP): CalCAP is a loan loss reserve program that may provide up to 10% courage on losses as a result of certain loan defaults. Find a participating lender.

Learn More about State Loans

U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans are now available for Los Angeles County victims of the wind and wildfire events, which started Jan 7, 2025. SBA offers a variety of loan programs to assist small businesses, ranging from micro-loans of up to $50,000 to bank loans of up to $5 million guaranteed by the SBA. Types of disaster loans include:

• Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. (Application Passed: March 31st, 2025)
• 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. (Application have been extended to May 30, 2025)
• 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. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. (Application Deadline: October 8th, 2025)

For more information, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, SBA Business Recovery Center, or contact the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): Provides financial solutions for residents and small business owners, including small business loans, equity investments, personal financial services, and education and financial literacy.

Lendistry: Lendistry is a minority-owned small business lender. Access loans starting at $25,000 as well as other special loan and grant opportunities, where available. Start at: Lendistry | Small Business Lending.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): Offers Working Capital loans from $100,000 to $500,000 for commercial and small businesses, as well as other loan products.

Learn More Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA): Provides zero-interest and zero-free loans up to $15K for emergency housing, businesses support for wildfire evacuees and more.

Learn More about Jewish Free Loan Association 

Small Business Emergency Loan Program: PACE is offering low-interest loans of $5,000 with a maximum tenure period of 24 months, interest rate of 5.0% annum fixed, and no payment in the first three months (grace period) to provide fast, flexible relief for affected small businesses and individuals.

Learn More about Small Business Emergency Loan Program 

The Support Small Business – Insurance Deductible Relief Fund: Team Friday supports impacted small businesses with cash based mutual aid to help cover the cost of deductibles for insurance claims. Submit your application for potential award.

Wish Local Empowerment Program: $2 million commitment for 4,000 grants to Black-owned small businesses ranging from $500-$2,000. Must have a brick and mortar in the US, 20 or fewer employees, earn under $1 million in revenue, 18+ years plus, and participation in Wish Local. Apply at Wish Local Empowerment Program.

Handyworker Grant Program: The Los Angeles County Development Agency offers the Handyworker Program. The Handyworker Grant Program aims to preserve existing homes by funding minor home repairs to ensure the health and safety of eligible low- to moderate-income homeowners within the unincorporated areas of the First, Fourth, and Fifth Supervisorial Districts. May apply for home-based businesses. Maximum grant award of $9,000.

GEM USA West, Global Empowerment Mission: a grant program for small businesses- targeting home based business) in the burn areas.

The initial criteria is the following:

• Must have an address in the burn zone of home or business

• If the address is home address must have lost physical business-related items

• Must have an online presence (website, social media, etc.)

• Must fill out the intake form

• Grant is up to $10,000

Submit an Intake form: Small Business Intake Form

Steadfast LA: Steadfast LA Launches $1 Million Small Business Initiative with Bank of California to Support Small Businesses.

Steadfast LA launches Small Business Initiative that will support retailers, restaurants, and other independent businesses in Altadena, Malibu, and the Pacific Palisades impacted by the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires with direct grants of up to $50,000.

Learn More | Apply Here

Local Counselors/Small Business Administration (SBA): Offers free or low-cost counseling for small businesses through its national network of Resource Partners. These partner organizations help review your business plans, identify opportunities to access capital, or provide information on applicable tax benefits, among other counseling services. Locate a Resource Partner, near you to address your needs including Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE Business Mentors, Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), and Women’s Business Centers.

The Center for Financial Empowerment: The LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) provides coaching, tax assistance, consumer protection, and other financial services through a network of partners.

Los Angeles County residents directly impacted by fires can request property and vital records free of charge from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office. Call 800-201-8999 and select Option 1, followed by Option 2, or email request with specific information to recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov. Read FAQ Here

Barbering and Cosmetology License Exams and Replacements: The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Board of Accountancy, and other are rescheduling licensing examinations at no charge and assisting licensees by issuing duplicate licenses due to a physical license being lost in the fires.

United State Postal Service (USPS) Forwarding: The USPS can forward mail to a temporary location. Commercial tenants may submit an Official Mail Forwarding Change of Address Order (COA) to reroute mail (including packages and letters) online or by filling out a PS Form 3575 (COA) available at any post office.

The Post Office is always open, 24/7 including holidays, at the USPS website. Using usps.com, customers can look up a ZIP Code, request free Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging, hold mail, set up Premium Forwarding Service, and even print a mailing label and pay for postage using Click-N-Ship.

For more information about postal products and services, customers may call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or visit the Postal Service online at the USPS Website.

For additional retail locations, visit here.

LA Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program: Offers no cost legal assistance for commercial lease agreements, landlord communications, and navigating insurance claims in partnership with Bet Tzedek and Public Counsel.

LA County Dispute Resolution Program: LA County Department of Business and Consumer Affairs (DCBA) offers no-cost mediation service to community and court-impacted individuals seeking to resolve disputes outside of court including neighbor, landlord-tenant, consumer, and business disputes.

Property Damage/Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief: Property damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding, may qualify for relief by submitting an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (M&C) Form ADS-820 with the LA County’s Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value.

Property Damage/Proposition 19 Disaster Relief Transfer of Base Value: In cases of Governor declared disasters, Prop 19 allows for a property’s tax base to be transferred to a comparable property within the same county or another county in California.

LA County Business to Business Space Share: DEO and LA County’s Internal Service Department launched a free virtual exchange where organizations and individuals with available workspace can connect with displaced businesses and nonprofits by the windstorm and wildfires. Get started in donating or browsing available space and matching today here. Read the press release here.

Damage Inspection Status: Visit recovery.lacounty.gov and Damages Maps tab to find updated photos and percent damage information that can be used for insurance claims.

United Policyholders’ Roadmap to Recovery program: Provides free, reliable guidance to help navigate the challenges of returning to wildfire-affected areas, repairing or replacing damaged property, and maximizing available insurance benefits.

The Road to Rebuilding guide to help residents navigate the complex rebuilding process after a wildfire, Los Angeles County has created this guide to help identify the steps necessary for rebuilding on your property.

The guide will take residents step-by-step through the rebuilding process.

Federal

Federal Income Tax Relief: The federal Internal Revenue Service have extended tax-filing and tax-payment due dates for impacted individuals and businesses due on or after January 7th to October 15th.

State

State Income Tax Relief: The State’s California Franchise Tax Board has extended tax-filing and tax-payment due dates for impacted individuals and businesses due on or after January 7^th to October 15^th. This matches the federal extension.

State Sales Tax and Fee Relief: The CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration has extended the January 31st sales and use tax filing due date from impacted LA County taxpayers until April 30th, 2025.

The CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration has authority to provider three-month extension of tax return due dates, relief of penalty and interest, or replacement copies of records lost due to disasters.

State Payroll Tax: The State extended the property tax deadline for businesses affected by the LA fires. Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief and Prop 19 Disaster Relief Transfer of Base Value applications are through the Los Angeles County Assessor.

• File their state payroll reports: Reporting extension
• Deposit payroll taxes without penalty or interest: Payroll tax extension

Local

Property Damage/Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief: Property damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding, may qualify for relief by submitting an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (M&C) Form ADS-820 with the LA County’s Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value.

2025 Business Tax Relief Program Update: Earlier this year, the LA City Mayor and Council launched the 2025 Business Tax Relief Program to support businesses impacted in select areas. As part of this program, the LA City Office of Finance automatically extended the business tax filing deadline for businesses in ZIP codes 90402, 90272, and 90049 from February 28, 2025, to April 14, 2025.

CEQA and Coastal Act Permit Requirement Waivers

Certified Contractors: The U.S. Green Building Council California provides a directory to connect wildfire impacted residents with certified contractors and architects specializing in rebuilding. This resource helps homeowners and businesses find qualified professionals to support restoration efforts while promoting sustainable, resilient communities.

Debris Clean-Up Subcontracting: Local businesses are needed immediately to provide debris cleanup and other post-disaster services. Businesses should assess if they are qualified and ready to provide services in: hazardous material removal, debris removal, engineering specialized in demolition, traffic control, water transportation, street sweeping, tree cutting, and administrative support. Businesses need to register for federal recovery contracts with SAM.gov; support can be provided through DEO’s APEX Accelerator. Finally, businesses need to pre-register with the Army Corp of Engineer’s primary contractor, ECC at www.ecc.net.

Economic Development Rate: PG&E developed an Economic Development Rate (EDR) to help businesses grow or to keep jobs in California. Our EDR offers eligible businesses the opportunity to lower costs through one of three reduced electric rate options.

The Economic Development Services (EDS) team at Southern California Edison is available to assist your business and help you grow in Southern California. We offer an energy discount through our Economic Development Rate (EDR) program to attract, retain, or expand your business operations in our service territory versus out of state. Specifically, the program offers a 12% discount on your energy bill over a 5-year period.

Connectivity

Emergency Tech and Connectivity Support: Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) is a community-serving nonprofit providing connectivity and technology support services for those impacted by disasters including businesses.

For additional information and 24-hour assistance visit here.

Property Owners Have Until June 30, 2025 to Clear Debris: Private property owners in unincorporated areas with fire debris who have opted out of the government-sponsored debris removal program, have until June 30, 2025, to complete debris removal. For more information, visit this web page or call the Debris Removal Hotline at 888-479-7328. 

Commercial Property Owners

Most commercial property owners are responsible for their own debris removal. Debris Removal permits are required and commercial property owners in unincorporated areas were required to obtain a permit and hire a licensed contractor by June 1, 2025. The deadline for removing for debris is June 30, 2025.

DEO has developed a comprehensive help guide to assist commercial property owners with the debris removal process. The guide includes key information and answers to common frequently asked questions.

Properties that fail to meet the June 30th deadline may be declared Public Nuisance. The County may take steps to remove debris from the property at the cost of the property owner. If not paid, the cost may be recovered through a lien on the property.

If you have concerns over how private contractors are hauling debris, you can file formal complaints on The Works app  or through the Opt-Out Fire Debris Removal Permits Hotline:1-888-479-7328. The hotline is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Business Technical Assistance Program: Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation offers no-cost consulting services to help businesses overcome challenges and find alternatives to layoffs.

America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC): These centers offer businesses direct support with recruitment, training new and incumbent workers, hiring new workers, avoiding layoffs, and accessing financial incentives to meet workforce goals.:

• On-the-Job Training: Access 90% wage subsidies by hiring and onboarding new staff.
• Incumbent Worker Training: Access subsidies for costs incurred in training and upskilling existing workforce and demonstrating retention and advancement. This could include training on new technology, services, and markets.
• Customized Training: Develop individualized or cohort training or work experiences that meets the needs of a single or group of employers.
• Youth Workers: Onboard young adult workers ages 14-24 at no-cost for 100+ hours.
• Tax Credits for Hiring Disadvantaged Workers: Access tax credits range from $1,200 to $9,600 for employers participating in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) who hire and employ members of traditionally disadvantaged groups .

Email workforce@opportunity.lacounty.gov with “Wildfire Impacted” in subject line to connect to DEO. To find a center closest to you, visit here.

State of Emergency On January 7^th, the Governor declared a State of Emergency with onset of the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires.

Presidential Major Disaster Declaration: On January 9^th, President Biden approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration following the Governor’s State of Emergency declaration.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Los Angeles County. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

The due date for FEMA Disaster Assistance was March 31^st, 2025. To learn more or ask questions, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits you receive from another source. Visit here for more information on GoFundMe and potential dislocation for FEMA relief.

Consumer Complaints for Price Gouging: California law price-gouging protections are in effect and apply to hotels, rental housing, food, and many other goods and services. Report price gouging, fraud or scams with the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs here or call (800) 593-8222. Watch this Price Gouging PSA and access their disaster preparedness and recovery resources: L.A. County Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources – Consumer & Business. Also visit the State’s Office of the Attorney General to learn more and file reports here.

Price Hike Prohibitions: During emergencies, price hikes for essentials like groceries, gasoline, medical supplies, repair services, and housing cannot go up by more than 10% in the affected areas. Protections against price increases last for 30 days while protections for contractor-related services last 180 days from the declared emergency.

FEMA Related Scams/Fraud: If there is an indication of fraud, such as an indication of an application filled out by someone else or duplicate application, call the FEMA Helpline immediately at 800-621-3362 or speak to a FEMA representative at a Disaster Recovery Center. FEMA’s security team will promptly investigate the issue and/or duplication and stop further processing of that application. FEMA staff will be able to assist the survivor and ensure they receive the assistance they qualify for.

LA County’s Office of Small Business: Offers 1:1 counseling, new business start-up and growth workshops, permit and license navigation, certification and public sector contracting, and referrals to legal, financial, and other assistance. Services can be accessed virtually or in person at the East LA Entrepreneur Center.