Apply for the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Fund. Applications open February 6, 2025, and close on February 24, 2025 at 5pm (PST).

Small businesses, nonprofits, and workers affected by the devastating January 2025 windstorm and wildfires can now apply for direct financial relief through the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds. The program will provide grants up to $2K for eligible displaced workers and up to $25K for eligible small businesses and nonprofits.

Visit laregionfund.lacounty.gov to apply.

EWDD will provide resources to businesses and workers at the Disaster Recovery Center located at the UCLA Research Park. The center will operate from 9:00am - 8:00pm, 7 days per week. These centers will help people:

UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

The LA Disaster Relief Navigator is an online tool to help Angelenos access critical resources like government assistance, insurance claims, home damage remediation, and housing solutions. It provides a personalized action plan to make the recovery process easier and help the community rebuild stronger. In-person help is also available at an LA Disaster Recovery Center.

Visit wildfires.betterangels.la to get started.

Rapid Response activities are designed to respond to layoffs by coordinating services to provide immediate assistance to employers and affected workers.

Weekly update webinars from government agencies across the region to provide community and business (CBOs) assistance providers with information, resources and guidance for supporting businesses impacted by LA Fires. Webinars will be held on Wednesdays at 12:00pm (PST), January 15 through February 26.

Register for an upcoming webinar at Community Business Organizations Webinar Registration (Zoom)

EWDD in partnership with Together for LA will be hosting weekly webinars for small businesses impacted by the wildfires.

To sign up for this webinar, visit laedc.org/togetherforla/.

Any of the 10 BusinessSource Centers spread across the City of Los Angeles can provide free one-on-one consultation, business and employment support, and assistance with applying for forthcoming microenterprise grants and microloans.

To find a complete list of BusinessSource Centers, use this Interactive Map.

Los Angeles Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program provides free legal education and direct representation to qualified small businesses on a number of legal issues such as drafting and reviewing commercial leases and negotiating with landlords, drafting and reviewing contracts, business structure and entity formation; employment law advice; and other transactional legal matters like intellectual property assistance.

Business Credit and Debt Counseling to help business owners counter negative financial impacts, recover, and strengthen their financial health.

Small Business Loan - customized loans offer fair and flexible terms and can be used for a wide variety of business needs, including equipment purchases, working capital, and acquisitions.

Business Response Unit is a one-stop shop for business assistance - businesses in the City of Los Angeles can submit any question and receive specialized help.

Subsidies are available to train new hires, existing workers, and youth workers. Tax credits for hiring disadvantaged workers are available to employers participating in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program.

Visit Worksource Centers and/or America’s Job Centers to learn more.

There are 14 WorkSource Centers and 3 WorkSource Portals located throughout the City of Los Angeles that act as a personal employment agency to businesses. They offer free broad support to business owners and entrepreneurs looking to hire and train workers.

To find a WorkSource Center close to you, use this Interactive Map for a list of locations.

The City of Los Angeles has 14 YouthSource Centers located throughout the region that provide young Angelenos ages 14-24 the support and resources they need to succeed in life through access to education, paid work experience, and occupational skills training.

To find a YouthSource Center close to you, use this Interactive Map for a list of locations.

FamilySource Centers (FSC) are a one-stop shop in your neighborhood for social, educational, work, and family support services. With 19 locations established in the City of Los Angeles, we can help you find the resources to increase your family income, establish financial security, and build academic success.

Find a FamilySource Center near you, use this Interactive Map for a list of locations.

MyLA 311 is your connection to city services and information. Use it to report fallen trees, request clean-ups and more. MyLA 311 can be accessed by:

The Emergency Management Department plans for, responds to and recovers from complex events and disasters that impact the communities of Los Angeles by leveraging our distinctive skills and partnerships.

For wildfire updates, please visit emergency.lacity.gov.

Office of Small Business (OSB) offers one-on-one business workshops and counseling to start-ups, referrals for legal assistance and financing, contracting certifications, and government contracting technical assistance through the APEX Accelerator. Call (844) 532-4900.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) throughout the region provide free business consulting and training services in all areas of operations and management, marketing, financing, and business planning.

LAEDC Business Assistance Program has free consulting services to help businesses overcome challenges and find alternatives to layoffs. Administered by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)

America's Job Centers of California (AJCC)
Workers: job preparation, job connections, paid work experiences, and supportive services
Businesses: recruitment and training, layoff aversion, payroll subsidies/hiring incentives, and more

L.A. County Library Tools for Job Seekers
You can take online classes, watch career-related videos, explore the Work Ready book collection, research business information, find links to popular job boards, and much more

For individuals and families in need of services, The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) offers a vast array of programs and services that can help alleviate hardship. Please note these programs have income restrictions. Apply for benefits at dpss.lacounty.gov/en.html or by calling the customer service center at (866) 613-3777.

The California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) lists financing incentives, including incentives by industry, and current grant opportunities.

California Innovation Hubs bridge the connection to local networks and communities and increase access to critical advising and training services.

California State Treasurer’s Office CA Capital Access Program (calCAP) is a loan loss reserve program that may provide up to 10% courage on losses as a result of certain loan defaults. To find a participating lender, review treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/PFI_lenders.pdf. Send completed Applications to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1-916-653-2995.

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

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.

California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBANK) offers loan programs for small businesses (1 to 750 employees) affected by disasters in California.

Employment Development Department (EDD) - Disaster Unemployment Assistance
A dedicated UI phone line for fire victims is now live for those who lost their job or can’t work because of a disaster. Additionally, you may qualify for the California EDD unemployment, disability, or Paid Family Leave benefits.