LA County Secures $14.5 Million for Wildfire Relief for Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Workers

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), has secured $14.5 million in new funding to help small businesses, nonprofits, and workers recover from recent wildfires. This financial boost includes $10 million from Governor Gavin Newsom and $4.5 million from FireAid, expanding the County’s ability to provide critical support to communities affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

“I applaud Governor Newsom for his critical investments in our region’s recovery,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena.

“This funding will provide much-needed relief to workers and small business owners who have faced incredible hardship due to recent wildfires. By expanding support through the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds, we are helping to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen our local economy. I look forward to continued collaboration to ensure that all those affected receive the assistance they need.”

The combined funding will strengthen two existing programs: the LA Region Small Business Relief Fund and the LA Region Worker Relief Fund. Of the $4.5 million from FireAid, $2 million is allocated to the small business fund and $2.5 million to the worker relief fund.

These relief programs provide up to $2,000 in direct cash assistance for workers who lost employment or income due to the disaster. Small businesses and nonprofits that experienced structural damage, equipment loss, or revenue decline can receive between $2,000 and $25,000 in support.

“More support is on the way for small businesses and workers impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires thanks to this $10 million investment from Governor Newsom that will bolster LA County’s Small Business and Worker Relief Funds,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Los Angeles County and our State partners, with support from philanthropy, are marshalling unprecedented financial resources to help fire-affected communities fill gaps in monthly expenses and heal.”

“The LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds are bridging a critical gap for our impacted communities with capital now as they start their recovery with the full support of DEO, LA County and City, and partners,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO. “This $14.5 million investment in the two funds will deliver much needed relief for thousands of additional workers and small businesses who are suffering right now. We are grateful for the Governor’s leadership and the collective public, private, and philanthropic investments from LA Rises, Fire Aid, and organizations like Maersk and APM Terminals that made this possible.”

Applications for both relief funds opened on February 6, 2025, and the deadline has been newly extended to March 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. Detailed program guidelines, tips, webinar recordings, and step-by-step submission instructions are available on the grant website in 14 different languages.

To ensure equitable access, DEO and EWDD, in collaboration with local municipalities, are providing multilingual support and technical assistance at various locations, including Disaster Recovery Centers, America’s Job Centers of California, the County’s Office of Small Business, the City’s WorkSource and BusinessSource Centers, and Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Centers.

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, launched in July 2022, helps job seekers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, major industries, and communities access life-changing opportunities. It is also home to the Office of Small Business, LA County’s one-stop shop dedicated to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners.

For more information or to apply for relief, interested parties can visit laregionfund.lacounty.gov. To learn more about DEO services, follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to their newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov.