Los Angeles Small Business Fire Recovery Resource Hub
This resource hub is designed specifically for small business owners impacted by the recent fires in Los Angeles. Whether you’ve lost your physical storefront, inventory, equipment, or customer base, real help is available. From grant funding and SBA loans to cleanup resources, this hub connects you to the most current recovery tools and support services available at the local, state, and federal levels.
Sign up to receive timely updates on funding, resources, and policy changes that matter to Los Angeles small businesses.
Debris Removal - Deadline: April 15
LA County Recovers: As of March 28th, business owners may be considered for Phase 2 debris removal for their commercial properties. Some commercial properties will not qualify, but LA County encourages you to opt in just in case. You must opt in by April 15, 2025.
Opt in to debris removal: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/roe/
LA County Public Works Fire Debris Hotline: 844-347-3332
US Army Corps of Engineers Debris Call Center: 213-308-8305
Financial Assistance
Grant opportunities
LA Region Small Business Relief Fund:
Provides cash assistance grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 to small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the windstorm and wildfires. While Phase 1 applications closed on March 12, 2025, Phase 2 fund notices were scheduled to be shared the week of April 7, 2025. Apply here: https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/small-business-fund/
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund:
Supports small businesses impacted by the 2025 wildfires. This fund aims to provide financial assistance to help businesses recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the disaster. Eligible businesses can apply through the Chamber's official registration page.
Apply here: https://web.cvent.com/event/f7554367-b3c5-4084-aafd-f3ff6b6500c5/regProcessStep1
Jewish Free Loan Association Wildfire Relief Loans:
Offers zero-interest, zero-fee loans up to $25,000 for individuals and up to $50,000 for nonprofits and small businesses affected by the fires. Loans are designed to help with temporary housing, lost income, and other emergency needs.
Apply here: https://www.jfla.org/firerelief
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (DoorDash + Hello Alice):
Provides $10,000 grants to restaurants that have experienced revenue loss due to a federally or state-declared natural disaster within the past 12 months. Funds may be used for rent, payroll, utilities, supplies, and other critical expenses.
Apply here: https://helloalice.com/grants/doordash
Pacific Community Fund LA Fire Relief Fund Loan Program:
Offers zero-interest loans of up to $1,500 for residents and essential workers—including housekeepers and homecare workers—impacted by the LA fires. Loans are designed to help cover lost income and basic expenses.
Apply here: https://pacific-fund.org/la-fire-relief-fund/
PACE Small Business Emergency Relief Loan:
Relaunched March 27, 2025, this program aims to deliver fast, flexible, and affordable financial assistance to individuals, families, and small businesses affected by the 2025 California wildfires.
Apply here: https://pacela.org/2025/01/16/disaster-express-loan-program/
CERF+ Emergency Relief Grants:
Provides emergency relief grants of up to $3,000 to craft artists. Applications approved on rolling basis.
Apply here: https://cerfplus.org/grants/emergency-relief/
Be the First to Know
Don't miss out on new grants, loan programs, and critical updates impacting small businesses in LA.
Financial Assistance
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
As a small business owner impacted by the recent LA fires, you’re likely juggling a dozen urgent needs at once — repairing damage, replacing lost equipment, keeping employees on payroll, and figuring out how to reopen your doors. If you’re still waiting on insurance, don’t have full coverage, or just need help bridging the gap, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be one of your most accessible and affordable options.
Why You Should Apply — Even If You’re Not Sure
It’s completely understandable to hesitate before taking on debt during a crisis. But here’s why applying for an SBA Disaster Loan is a smart and strategic move:
Competitive Interest Rates, Flexible Terms: Rates are much lower than private loans or credit cards— often under 4% for businesses. Repayment terms can extend to up to 30 years, and qualified borrowers will not have payments or interest for the first year.
Flexible Use: Use funds for repairs, equipment, working capital, and more.
No obligation to accept: If you're approved, you are not required to accept the loan.
Immediate support while you wait for insurance: If you're waiting on an insurance settlement, an SBA disaster loan can act as a bridge loan — providing fast access to funds so you can start repairs, cover payroll, restock inventory, or reopen your doors without delay. Once your insurance pays out, you can use those funds to repay the loan early with no penalty.
Types of SBA loans available
The SBA offers several types of disaster assistance loans to help you recover. Here’s what’s available:
Option 1: Business Physical Disaster Loans - DEADLINE: JUNE 31, 2025
What it covers: Repairs or replacement of physical property damaged in the disaster — including buildings, equipment, inventory, and fixtures.
Available to: Small businesses, nonprofits, and most private-sector organizations
Loan limit: Up to $2 million
Use of funds: Repair or replace real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and leasehold improvements. Note: You may be eligible even if you lease your space.
Important deadline: May 31, 2025
Option 2: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
What it covers: Working capital to help your business meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
Available to: Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofits
Loan limit: Up to $2 million (combined with any physical disaster loans)
Use of funds: Rent, payroll, utilities, debt payments, and other regular operating costs
You don’t need physical damage to qualify — just proof of lost revenue
Option 3. Home and Personal Property Loans
What it covers: Although this isn’t for business use, small business owners who suffered personal loss (e.g., home damage or personal belongings) may also be eligible.
Available to: Homeowners and renters
Loan limit: Up to $200,000 for real estate, $40,000 for personal property
Use of funds: Repairs or replacement of disaster-damaged personal property, including vehicles
Pro Tip: You can apply for both a Business Physical Disaster Loan and an EIDL
They serve different needs and can work together to fully support your recovery. Submitting an application keeps your options open and ensures you don’t miss out on valuable assistance.
Apply online now at SBA.gov/disaster
Need help? Contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Financial Assistance
IRS Disaster Tax Relief for Small Business Owners
If your business has been affected by the recent Los Angeles fires, you may qualify for federal tax relief from the IRS. This can help ease your financial and administrative burdens while you focus on recovery.
Automatic Tax Filing & Payment Extensions:
Because specific counties within the Los Angeles area has been federally declared a disaster zone, the IRS has automatically extended certain tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses located in affected ZIP codes.
As a small business owner in LA, this means:
You don’t need to file anything to get the extension — it’s automatic if your business is in a qualifying area. For individuals and business owners, the new filing deadline is October 15, 2025 (Check the IRS site for updates based on the declaration).
Deadlines for filing and payments may be extended — including for payroll taxes, quarterly estimated taxes, and corporate returns.
Claiming Disaster Losses
If your small business suffered uninsured or unreimbursed losses due to the LA wildfires, you may be eligible to deduct those losses on your federal tax return. This can offer a crucial cash-flow boost during your recovery.
You have two options:
Claim the losses on your 2024 return (the year the loss occurred), or
Claim them on your 2023 return to get a faster refund.
Work with your accountant to determine which year will give you the greater benefit.
Need Help?
Talk to a tax professional familiar with disaster losses
Or call the IRS Disaster Hotline at 866-562-5227
For the most up-to-date information on disaster-related tax relief, visit the IRS Disaster Resource Center: https://www.irs.gov/disasters
Need Help?
Talk to a Real Person
If you're feeling overwhelmed or just want someone to walk you through next steps, you're not alone. These trusted local organizations and agencies offer free or low-cost support to small business owners recovering from the LA fires.
Free community support
LA Fire Recovery Community: Join a growing network of fellow Angeleno small business owners and residents navigating recovery together. Share experiences, ask questions, swap resources, and support each other through rebuilding.
Free One-on-One Business Support
LA Small Business Development Centers (SBDC Network)
Get help applying for grants/loans, rewriting business plans, or creating financial projections.
Phone: 866-588-7232
Find your local center: https://smallbizla.org/
SCORE Los Angeles
Free mentoring from experienced business professionals.
Phone: 818-552-3321
Request a mentor: https://www.score.org/losangeles
LISC LA
Support for BIPOC- and women-owned businesses, including access to capital and technical assistance.
Get assistance: https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/
Local Government & Disaster Assistance
SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service
Help with SBA loan applications, status updates, or paperwork issues.
Phone: 1-800-659-2955
Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
Website: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
LA County Office of Small Business
Guidance on county grant programs and referrals to technical assistance.
Phone: 844-432-4900
Email: info@osb.lacounty.gov
Website: https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/
City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD)
Help with locating grants, workforce recovery programs, and applying for SBA loans.
Phone: 213-744-7300
Website: ewdd.lacity.gov
Protecting Your Business
Price-Gouging
California’s price-gouging protections are in effect during the wildfire recovery period. These laws apply to essentials like hotels, rental housing, food, gas, and other critical goods and services. If you believe you’ve been overcharged or targeted by a scam, report it immediately:
LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
File a complaint or speak with an investigator:
Phone: (800) 593-8222
File online: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/
Contractor & Scam Prevention Resources
After a disaster, many small business owners face urgent pressure to clean up, rebuild, or reopen. Unfortunately, this urgency can attract fraudulent contractors and scam artists looking to take advantage of vulnerable communities.
Here’s how to protect yourself, your business, and your recovery budget:
Tips for Vetting Cleanup & Construction Contractors
Always verify a contractor’s license before hiring them — especially for cleanup, restoration, or reconstruction work.
Ask for proof of insurance (liability and workers’ compensation).
Get at least 2–3 written estimates before deciding who to hire.
Check references and review past work.
Read all contracts carefully — don’t sign anything with blank spaces or vague language.
Be cautious of unsolicited offers from door-to-door contractors offering quick fixes.
How to Check a Contractor’s License
Use the official tool from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to:
Verify a contractor’s license is valid and in good standing
Confirm the type of work they’re legally allowed to perform
Check if there are any disciplinary actions or complaints
Look up a contractor here: https://www.cslb.ca.gov
CSLB Consumer Assistance Line: 1-800-321-CSLB (2752)
Watch Out for These Red Flags
Requests for large cash payments up front
Pressure to sign immediately
No written contract
Out-of-town contractors with no local references
Promises that sound “too good to be true”
If you suspect fraud or have a complaint:
Report contractor fraud to the CSLB: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Filing_A_Complaint/
You can also report scams to the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs: https://dcba.lacounty.gov
Mental Health Support
Recovering from a disaster isn’t just a financial challenge — it’s also an emotional one. Many small business owners are navigating high stress, burnout, grief, and uncertainty. Taking care of your mental health is essential to long-term recovery, leadership, and resilience. Local government and nonprofits offer free confidential mental health support to small business owners and employees affected by the LA fires.
Options:
LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH): Offers 24/7 support through the Help Line at 1-800-854-7771 or visit dmh.lacounty.gov.
CalHOPE Warm Line: Talk to trained counselors about stress, anxiety, or grief. Call 833-317-HOPE (4673) or visit calhope.org
Extreme Weather Survivors: Learn coping and recovery strategies from trauma experts in disaster recovery
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