Los Angeles Wildfires: Resources and Steps for Business Recovery
Last updated: Jan. 30, 2025 3:22pm PST
Essential resources and support for businesses and workers.
If you want to suggest another resource, email: outsmartdisaster@gobiz.ca.gov
Recovery Centers
Click on the pins to see locations and hours. All locations offer basic services for home- and business-owners. Identify the center best suited for your needs, but know that no one is turned away from any center. No appointment is necessary.
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)
Set up by FEMA and the SBA, DRCs offer access to federal, state, and other disaster programs for homeowners, renters and businesses. These are the largest centers.
- Get answers to questions about FEMA and SBA disaster relief programs
- Apply for individual assistance from FEMA
Business Recovery Centers (BRC)
Staffed by the SBA and including some local agencies, BRCs focus on the needs of business-owners.
- Get help applying for SBA loans, including low- and deferred-interest options.
- Contact local business support organizations
Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC)
Staffed by the SBA, DLOCs focus on business and home-owner loan applications.
- Physical Property Damage Application Deadline: March 10, 2025
- Economic Injury Application Deadline: October 8, 2025
- SBA Fact Sheets: MySBA Loan Portal
- Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an in-person appointment at a BRC or DLOC in advance at appointment.sba.gov
- For more information, contact the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Financial resources including SBA disaster loans (both for physical damage and economic injury), State/County/City resources as those are established, and smaller local grants and loans from the private and non-profit sectors
- Insurance claims and coverage related to physical damage and business disruption
- Employee services including EDD resources and State & County layoff aversion programs
- Tax/Rent/Mortgage relief opportunities for small businesses
- Adaptation/Relocation – helping businesses identify opportunities to restart revenue-generating activities
- Contracting – assisting businesses with government contracting opportunities related to disaster cleanup and rebuilding efforts
Grants
County of Los Angeles
LA Region Small Business Relief Funding
County of Los Angeles
Restaurants Care Grants for Food and Beverage Workers
Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund
Accion Opportunity Fund
Small Business Relief Fund
TMC Community Capital
Small Business Strong: LA Wildfire Relief Fund
Center for Cultural Innovation
LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund
California Community Foundation
Wildfire Recovery Fund
Jewish Free Loan Association
Zero-Interest Zero-Fee Loans
ICON CDC Wildfire Relief
ICON CDC
ICON CDC
Council District 6 Wildfire Relief Fund for Micro-Enterprises
Other Resources
Find essential resources and support for businesses and workers impacted by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. From financial assistance and recovery programs to workforce support, these tools are designed to help you navigate the challenges and rebuild effectively.
As this is an ongoing situation, we will continue to update this page. Also, for a comprehensive list of resources that is regularly updated, download the latest resource guide from LA County (PDF).
If we’ve missed any resources, please send us an email at outsmartdisaster@gobiz.ca.gov
Download this Resource Guide from LA County (PDF)
Find Free Shared Business Space
2025 Los Angeles Fires: Help and info for people affected by the wildfires
Fire Damage Maps
Insurance Information
- Safer from Wildfires: Department of Insurance
- Wildfire Resources: Department of Insurance
- Sustainable Insurance Strategy: Department of Insurance
City and County Agencies
- Business Response Unit: City of Los Angeles
- City of Santa Monica
- City of Malibu
- Department of Economic Opportunity: Los Angeles County
- Disaster Recovery Resources: City of Pasadena
- Eaton Fire Statement/Resources: Altadena Town Council
- Economic & Workforce Development Department: City of Los Angeles
- LA County Emergency Resources for Workers and Businesses: Los Angeles County
Chambers of Commerce
Find Contracting Opportunities for Disaster Response/Recovery
- APEX Accelerator: Los Angeles County
- SB/DVBE Emergency Registry: Quickly identify certified businesses during an emergency, Department of General Services
- Doing Business with FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal and State Disaster Declarations/Executive Orders
Get Help Planning and Funding Your Recovery
Other Business Support
- Disaster Relief – The Los Angeles Fires: The Valley Economic Alliance
- Disaster Relief Loan Guarantees: IBank
- Economic Recovery After a Disaster: California Office of Emergency Services
- LA Regional Small Business Owners Legal Aid Program: Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity
- Los Angeles Fire Advisory for ABC Licensees: Alcoholic Beverage Control
- Permit and Regulatory Assistance: Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
- Resources for California Fire Victims: State Treasurer’s Office
- Together for LA: Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.
Power Grid
- Southern California Edison Power Outage Map: Status of power outages in Southern California Edison service areas
- Economic Development Rate Program from Southern California Edison: Electric bill discounts for selected business customers.
- LADWP Power Outage Map: Real-time updates on power outages in Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) service areas
Tax Deadlines & Filing Support
- Emergency Tax Relief: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
- Extension of Business Tax Renewals: City of Los Angeles Office of Finance
- Emergency Tax Relief for Los Angeles County: Franchise Tax Board
- Property Tax Disaster Relief: Board of Equalization
- Reduction of Assessed Value: Board of Equalization
- Tax Assistance After a Disaster: California Office of Emergency Services
- Tax Relief for Wildfire-Impacted Taxpayers: Internal Revenue Service
Where to Donate/Volunteer Business Services
Recovery Planning
This guide provides actionable steps and resources to help navigate the recovery process. From assessing damage to rebuilding, these actions are designed to support your journey toward restoration and renewal. Focus on safety, clear communication, and resilience to rebuild your business and your community.
1. Assess Damage Safely
- Wait for Official Clearance: Return to your property only when local authorities confirm it is safe.
- Use Protective Gear: Wear gloves, masks, and sturdy shoes when inspecting the site.
- Inspect for Hazards: Look for structural damage, electrical hazards, gas leaks, and standing water.
- Document the Damage: Take detailed photos and videos of affected areas, including equipment, inventory, and structures, for insurance claims.
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider
- Notify Your Insurer Immediately: Begin the claims process as soon as possible.
- Provide Documentation: Submit photos, videos, receipts, and an inventory of damaged items.
- Understand Your Policy: Review your coverage for property damage, business interruptions, and loss of income. Top Ten Tips For WildfireClaimants
- Work with the Adjuster: Facilitate inspections to expedite the claims process.
- Key Tips for Insurance Success:
- Obtain a complete copy of your insurance policy.
- Track all additional living expenses (ALE).
- Keep records of conversations with your insurer/adjuster.
- Avoid rushed decisions—if unsure, consult experts.
3. Communicate with Stakeholders
- Inform Employees: Share updates on your business’s status, temporary work arrangements, and reopening timelines.
- Notify Customers and Vendors: Use your website, social media, email, and signage to communicate closures, alternative services, or temporary locations.
- Maintain Transparency: Set realistic expectations while reassuring stakeholders of your recovery plans.
4. Access Recovery Resources for Small Businesses
Find all available resources on Outsmart Disaster’s Wildfire Recovery Page.
- Apply for SBA Disaster Loans: Access low-interest loans to repair damages and cover working capital needs.
- Seek FEMA Assistance: File for federal or state disaster aid, if eligible.
- Connect with Local Resources: Reach out to your local Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), or nonprofit organizations for support.
- Explore Tax Relief: Research federal, state, or local tax credits and deductions for disaster-related expenses.
5. Implement Temporary Operations
- Relocate Operations: Identify temporary locations to resume services.
- Shift to Remote Work: Enable employees to work remotely to maintain operations.
- Focus on Core Services: Prioritize critical products or services during rebuilding.
- Leverage Partnerships: Collaborate with nearby businesses to share resources or temporarily co-locate.
6. Review and Update Plans
- Conduct a Post-Event Review: Meet with your team to identify successes and challenges during the disaster.
- Update Your Business Continuity Plan (BCP): Apply lessons learned to strengthen future preparedness.
- Strengthen Infrastructure: Invest in fire-resistant materials, better data backup systems, and enhanced safety measures.
- Support Employee Well-Being: Provide counseling or other resources for employees impacted by the disaster.
- Rebuild Trust: Reconnect with the community through promotions, events, or partnerships to re-establish your presence.
For additional resources visit Disaster Resources | Outsmart Disaster
California Office of the Small Business Advocate
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95814
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