LA County DEO Secures $14.5M in New Funding to Support Small Businesses, Non-Profits and Workers Impacted by the Wildfires

$10 Million Awarded by Governor Newsom and $4.5 Million by FireAid

Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), is expanding support for wildfire-impacted small businesses and workers through the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds with the additional $14.5 million contributions announced today including $10 million from Governor Gavin Newsom and $4.5 million from FireAid.  

The $10 million investment by the Governor will help our impacted small businesses and nonprofits as they recover from disaster. This new funding adds to the $4.5 million from FireAid which includes $2 million allocated to the LA Region Small Business Relief Fund and $2.5 million to the LA Region Worker Relief Fund.  

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

“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.” 

“Across Los Angeles County, residents have been experiencing job loss by the wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, including nannies, in-home health workers, landscapers, actors, stagehands, and many others who work in these areas,” said Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor for the First District, Hilda L. Solis. “Today’s announcement, which includes $10 million in funding to the LA Regional Small Business Fund, will be crucial in accelerating economic recovery and providing relief to our impacted families. I am deeply grateful to the Governor for his demonstrated commitment to our relief efforts and look forward to continuing to implement California Jobs First locally. Together, we will ensure an equitable recovery for all Angelenos.” 

“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. 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,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO. “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.” 

These relief funds provide up to $2,000 in direct cash assistance grants for workers who lost employment or income due to the disaster and up to $2,000 to $25,000 to small businesses and nonprofits that have experienced structural damage, equipment loss, or revenue decline.  

Applications for the LA Region Small Businesses and Workers Relief Funds opened February 6, 2025, with a newly extended deadline of March 2, 2025, at 5 p.m., ensuring more impacted businesses and workers can access critical financial support. Applicants can find detailed program and application guidelines on the grant website, including tips, webinar recording, step-by-step submission instructions. These resources are available in 14 different languages.  

Additionally, to ensure an equitable and accessible application process, DEO and EWDD, in collaboration with local municipalities, are providing multilingual support and technical assistance at 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.  

For more information and to apply, visit laregionfund.lacounty.gov. 

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About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, launched in July 2022, helps job seekers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, major industries, and communities access life changing opportunities, and is also home to the Office of Small Business, LA County’s one-stop shop dedicated to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.

Contact:
Angela Herrera Perez, Senior Public Information Specialist 
press@opportunity.lacounty.gov