Media Release: LA County DEO Begins Phase 1 Disbursement of LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds for Impacted Businesses, Nonprofits, and Workers 

On February 6, less than one month after the fires began, DEO mobilized the region with a $1 million commitment to kickstart contributions to both Funds. Over the course of the last month and a half, DEO and EWDD hosted over 20 English and Spanish webinars, 19 in-person events, and 15 train-the-trainer sessions with 40+ community-based organizations, assigned more than 100+ staff countywide to provide technical assistance and application processing support, and created materials in the County’s 14 threshold languages.  

A total of $2.7 million in grant awards is being disbursed to 82 businesses, each receiving a $25,000 grant, and 324 workers, each receiving a $2,000 grant, in Phase 1. Applications for these funds closed on Wednesday, March 12, at 5 pm.  A total of 7,394 complete applications were received for the LA Region Small Business Relief Fund and 7,082 applications for the LA Region Worker Relief Fund.  

Phase 1 awards prioritize applicants who experienced the greatest fire-related impacts within the designated fire zones and submitted their application by March 2nd. Awarded businesses and nonprofits in Phase 1 had physical brick-and-mortar locations that were destroyed in the fires. Awarded workers in Phase 1 experienced permanent job or income loss due to their workplace being destroyed or permanently closed. 

AidKit began notifying Phase 1 grant recipients this morning. Applications submitted between February 6 and March 12 are under review for Phase 2, with announcements expected the week of March 31 to award an additional $15.9 million. Any applicant not selected for Phase 1 will automatically be considered for Phase 2. 

To ensure fast and direct access to grant funding awarded applicants will complete an enrollment process to confirm their preferred method of receiving funds. If all required information is submitted, direct deposits will be processed within 2-3 business days, depending on the banking institution. Worker recipients can select to receive funds through prepaid debit cards and pick up their card at designated locations including the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and the Boyle Heights and West LA Impacted Family and Worker Centers, starting Friday March 14. 

“We know that small businesses are not only key to a thriving economy but also make up the heart of healthy communities, and we’re committed to doing everything in our power to help them rise and rebuild. We applaud the City and County of Los Angeles for getting these critical funds out the door as quickly as possible to protect and support the businesses and workers that have been most impacted,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.  

“Supporting our small business owners and workers is essential to ensuring Altadena's recovery is successful," said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. "These grants are a vital resource for those who lost their livelihoods in the wake of the Eaton Fire. I remain committed to championing efforts that deliver direct relief to those impacted and will continue working to secure resources that help our community rebuild stronger than ever.” 

“Small businesses and workers are the backbone of our local economy, and the devastation caused by these fires has left too many struggling to rebuild and recover,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Through LA County’s Small Business and Worker Relief Funds, we are taking the necessary steps to provide direct support to those who need it most. While this first phase of funding will help businesses stay afloat and workers regain stability, LA County is committed to supporting those impacted and will continue to work with our philanthropic community who continues to step up for our most vulnerable Angelenos.” 

"In times of difficulty, Los Angeles always comes together to help Angelenos in need. Progress in rebuilding is months ahead of expectation and we must continue to support those who had their business destroyed or their place of employment destroyed in the fires. These important funds are now underway and Angelenos are encouraged to get additional help applying for federal disaster assistance at the Disaster Recovery Center and the four Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Centers," said LA City Mayor Karen Bass.  

“We know how urgent this direct financial assistance is for our communities who lost everything in these fires, and we are moving as quickly as possible because we know they can’t afford to wait,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “None of this would be possible without the generosity of our philanthropic, private sector and public partners including the $10 million investment led by Governor Newsom and LA Rises. We are grateful for their support and remain committed to ensuring every dollar gets to those who need it most.” 

“This is an incredible partnership between government and philanthropy and EDD looks forward to supporting workers and employers as they rebuild their communities,” said Employment Development Department Director Nancy Farias. 

“The EWDD stands committed along with its partners in helping all Angelenos throughout the recovery process and beyond. Businesses and worker grant recipients can now use these funds for immediate financial assistance while they find their footing for rebuilding. Although the grants deadline closed, the City’s WorkSource and BusinessSource Centers continue to be a support system in providing free resources to assist those impacted with employment and business services needed for their recovery,” said Carolyn Hull, General Manager of the LA City Economic and Workforce Development Department. 

These funds were made possible through generous contributions from organizations that have stepped up to help our communities rebuild and recover including LA County, the State of California, Maersk and APM Terminals, LA Rises, led by Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Casey Wasserman, Fire Aid, California Community Foundation – CalFire, Wells Fargo, Kayne Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, Hilton Foundation, Prologis, Publicis Media, The Korean American Association of Southwest, and New Jersey Capital. Donations to the funds are still welcomed and can be made at: lacounty.gov/relief/  

Resources, assistance, and up-to-date information to support businesses and workers as they navigate recovery and rebuilding efforts are available at: https://bit.ly/DEOWildfireResponse.  

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