Free Application Assistance Available Today for Wildfire-Affected Businesses, Workers

Local business owners and workers affected by recent wildfires and windstorms can receive free one-on-one application assistance today for disaster relief programs with approaching deadlines.

The in-person clinic runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 28, at Pacific Oaks College, 45 W. Eureka St., Pasadena, offering direct support for applications to disaster relief funds that expire as soon as March 2.

Representatives from the Small Business Administration, Altadena Chamber of Commerce, City of Pasadena, and LA County Department of Economic Opportunity will provide personalized consultations for fire-impacted businesses and workers.

“In anticipation of the forthcoming application deadlines, attendees will receive 1:1 assistance from a business consultant to apply for the following,” according to event organizers.

The event features presentations in Classrooms 7 and 8 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., with individual consultations available in Classrooms 9 and 10.

Crucial deadlines include March 2 for the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Fund and March 10 for SBA Business Physical Disaster Loans. Additional SBA deadlines include March 17, 2025 for physical property damage applications and October 15, 2025 for economic injury applications.

Through the LA Region relief fund, eligible businesses with annual revenue under $6 million and fewer than 100 employees can access grants between $2,000 and $25,000 for structural damage, inventory loss or revenue disruptions. Workers who lost income due to the wildfires may qualify for $2,000 cash assistance, with priority given to those who permanently lost jobs or experienced significant income reductions.

The SBA offers Physical Damage Loans up to $2 million for damaged business assets alongside Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital needs. Homeowners can also apply for Home Disaster Loans up to $200,000 for property damage and $40,000 for personal belongings.

For micro-businesses and self-employed individuals, the TMC Community Capital Small Business Strong Fund provides $5,000 grants specifically for those with annual revenue under $250,000 who lack access to traditional benefits like paid time off or insurance.

Applicants typically need to provide proof of damage or loss (photos, receipts), business registration documents or utility bills confirming operations in affected areas, and financial records such as tax returns or bank statements.

Additional resources include Business Recovery Centers at locations such as West Hollywood and Santa Monica Chambers of Commerce, Mutual Aid Networks offering housing assistance and emergency shelter vouchers via 211 LA County, and FireAid Contributions that include multimillion-dollar grants supporting small businesses and displaced workers.

Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops to complete applications onsite with expert guidance. Free on-site parking is available at the college.