
In the wake of the recent wildfires and strong winds that have devastated parts of Greater Los Angeles, a coalition of public agencies including the City of Los Angeles, L.A. County, the City of Pasadena, the State of California, the California Department of Insurance, and the Small Business Administration (SBA), have come together to provide critical assistance to small businesses and individuals.
A regional economic recovery meeting, hosted by Project Director Maurice Goldstein, brought together more than 200 organizations to offer updates and guidance for those affected. These meetings are being held weekly on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. ensuring businesses and residents receive timely support and information.
Julie Klaus, representing the SBA, detailed several programs designed to assist homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses impacted by the disaster. The SBA’s website now includes a dedicated wildfire recovery section and a disaster portal, with updates shared through a distribution list available at [email protected].
Key programs include Disaster Home Loans, which help homeowners and renters repair or replace damaged property, including automobiles, with loans of up to $500,000 for real estate and $100,000 for personal property.
For businesses, the SBA offers Business Physical Loans to help repair or replace damaged property, inventory, and supplies, with a $2 million cap. The Economic Injury Disaster Loans provide working capital to offset lost income due to closures, also capped at $2 million. All SBA loans come with a 12-month deferral period and low interest rates: as low as 2.563% for homeowners, 4% for businesses, and 3.625% for nonprofits. Applications can be submitted online or in person at centers located at Pasadena City College, UCLA, and the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. Deadlines for these programs include March 10 for initial claims and October 8 for economic injury claims.
Julia Juarez, deputy commissioner for the California Department of Insurance, offered critical advice for wildfire claimants. She emphasized that anyone with insurance should immediately file a claim with their provider.
Juarez stated, “We are asking people if you have insurance, open a claim with your insurance company or agent. If you don’t know who, or don’t have a contact, or if things are not available, the Department of Insurance can help you locate the information.”
Juarez also warned residents to avoid signing repair contracts before speaking with their insurance company and encouraged vigilance against scams by verifying the credentials of any adjusters. She advised keeping a log of all communications with insurers, including details of conversations and the names of adjusters.
Public insurance adjusters, unlike company adjusters, often charge a fee, but residents are entitled to 100% of their claim benefits. The Department of Insurance is hosting workshops to help claimants, offering individual appointments with insurance experts. For assistance, residents can reach out at [email protected].
Layla Lee, assistant director for Business and Economic Development with the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, announced the launch of the Emergency Resource Hub for Workers and Businesses. This hub, updated daily, provides services in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles and works to identify and address service gaps.
Resources include free legal aid for commercial lease disputes, tenant rights, evictions, and business relocation assistance. Businesses and workers can also subscribe to newsletters for ongoing updates and guidance.
Rosa Peneloza, assistant chief grants administrator for the City of Los Angeles Economic Workforce Development Department, expressed the city’s commitment to supporting the community. She highlighted the resources available through ten BusinessSource Centers, which offer free one-on-one consultations, business support, and assistance with applications for microenterprise grants and microloans.
Additionally, 14 YouthSource Centers provide job training and academic support for individuals aged 14-24. The WorkSource Centers, acting as personal employment agencies for businesses, help entrepreneurs with hiring and training workers. Free legal services for small businesses are also available through LA Legal Aid, including help with commercial leases, navigating insurance claims, and reviewing insurance policies.
Peneloza stated, “We are devastated by these circumstances and our hearts are with you. United, LA will recover.”
Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed significant funding to expedite wildfire recovery efforts, ensuring communities and businesses can rebuild. FEMA has also opened Disaster Recovery Centers across Los Angeles County, where wildfire survivors can access direct assistance. Those impacted are encouraged to apply for disaster relief through FEMA’s website or dedicated platforms.