Resources Available for Workers and Businesses Impacted by the Los Angeles City Wildfires
If you are a business that has been impacted by the LA wildfires, please fill out the LA Region Wildfires Business Impact Survey. This survey will serve to track, monitor, and quantify business losses in the LA Region. Losses will be totaled and shared with federal and state agencies in the efforts of seeking further support for the impacted business community.
-
City of Los Angeles
In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, EWDD is compiling a list of essential resources and information for workers and businesses. From financial support to job placement services, find the support you need to navigate this challenging time. For the latest information on City resources, please visit emergency.lacity.gov/recovery.
Immediate Resources
LA City Disaster Relief Navigator
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.
Worker and Family Recovery Centers
The Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Centers are NOW OPEN. Those affected can access free services such as:
- job training and placement
- income support
- grants for small businesses
- educational services for youth
- and much more
The four Recovery Centers are open Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm (PT):
- West LA WorkSource Center & AJCC
5446 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City 90230
(310) 309-6000 - Northeast San Fernando Valley WorkSource Center (Mission College)
13356 Eldridge Ave, Campus Center, Sylmar 91342
(818) 482-1754 - West Adams/Leimert Park FamilySource Center
4305 Degnan Blvd, suite 105, Los Angeles 90008
(323) 293-6284 - Boyle Heights FamilySource Center
2130 1st Street, suite 110, Los Angeles 90033
(323) 526-9301
Job Loss and Layoff Aversion
The Rapid Response team responds to layoffs and job loss by coordinating services to provide immediate assistance to employers and affected workers.
Layoff Aversion Support
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is offering free consulting services to help businesses overcome challenges and find alternatives to layoffs.
Virtual Job Loss Assistance
Virtual orientations will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am and 6pm, in English and Spanish.
In-Person Job Loss Assistance
In-person orientations will be held at the locations and dates listed below. English sessions will be at 1pm and Spanish sessions will be at 2pm. No appointment necessary.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
- Boyle Heights WorkSource Center
1505 East 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033 - Northeast Valley WorkSource Center
13356 Eldridge Ave, Sylmar, CA 91342
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance, or DUA, benefit claim deadline has been extended to Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The DUA provides relief for eligible workers and self-employed people in LA County who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
Benefits are between $186 and $450 per week, for up to 26 weeks. Application Assistance through the City’s WorkSource Centers is available at the following locations:
For information on how to apply, visit edd.ca.gov. For more details and eligibility information, review the EDD Fact Sheet: Disaster Employment Assistance (PDF).- Hollywood
4311 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90029
(323) 454-6100 - West Los Angeles
5446 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City 90230
(310) 309-6000 - South Valley
20920 Warner Center Lane, Suite C, Woodland Hills 91367
(818) 237-9099
LA City Disaster Recovery Center
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 - 7:00pm, 7 days per week. These centers will help people:
UCLA Research Park West- who have lost vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, driver’s licenses, social security documentation)
- who have lost their homes or businesses apply for disaster relief loans
- and will provide referrals for mental health counseling and other services
10850 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Together for LA
Together for LA, in partnership with EWDD, held webinars for small businesses impacted by the wildfires. Visit laedc.org/togetherforla/ to learn more about available resources and watch a previously recorded webinar.
Business Resources
BusinessSource Centers (BSCs)
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.
Legal Aid
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.
Additional Business Resources
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.
Workforce & Youth Resources
Employer Assistance
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.
WorkSource Centers (WSCs)
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.
YouthSource Centers (YSCs)
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.
Additional Resources
FamilySource Centers
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
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:- Dialing 311 or (213) 473-3231
- Submitting requests online 24/7 at myla311.lacity.org
- Downloading the MyLA311 App
Emergency Management Department (EMD)
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. - West LA WorkSource Center & AJCC
-
County of Los Angeles
For the latest information on County resources, please visit LA County Recovers and LA County Relief: Funding and Resource Portal.
One-Stop Permit Centers
LA County opened One-Stop Permit Centers to help guide residents through the rebuilding process, answer questions, and connect them with area building and planning departments. All services are free and by appointment only.
To learn more and book an appointment, visit recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/one-stop-permit-centers.- Palisades Fire - Calabasas One-Stop
26600 Agoura Road, #110
Calabasas 91302
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:30am-10:30am
Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm - Eaton Fire - Altadena One-Stop
(beginning March 17)
1464 W Woodbury Road, #210
Altadena 91001
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30am-12:30pm
Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm
Business Assistance
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)
Workforce Assistance
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
General Assistance
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.
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women in the last 120 days of pregnancy who have little or no assets or income.
- e-Benefits California connects people with services in their county, such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and California Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids(CalWORKs).
- Financial Empowerment – Consumer & Business: resources to help with your taxes, banking, budgeting, and other financial needs
- Clear Point Credit Counseling Solutions: non-profit organization offering credit counseling
- Palisades Fire - Calabasas One-Stop
-
State of California
For the latest information on the State of California resources, please visit ca.gov/LAfires and outsmartdisaster.calosba.ca.gov for business recovery.
Business Assistance
- 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
calcap@treasurer.gov or call (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.
- Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP): loan guarantees up to 95% of the loan through its partner Financial Development Corporation to help small business borrowers who need term loans or lines of credit
- Jump Start Loan Program: loans from $500 to $10,000 to low-wealthy entrepreneurs in declared disaster and emergency areas
Workforce Assistance
Employment Development Department Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance, or DUA, benefit claim deadline has been extended to Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The DUA provides relief for eligible workers and self-employed people in LA County who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
Benefits are between $186 and $450 per week, for up to 26 weeks. Application Assistance through the City’s WorkSource Centers is available at the following locations:
For information on how to apply, visit edd.ca.gov. For more details and eligibility information, review the EDD Fact Sheet: Disaster Employment Assistance (PDF).- Hollywood
4311 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90029
(323) 454-6100 - West Los Angeles
5446 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City 90230
(310) 309-6000 - South Valley
20920 Warner Center Lane, Suite C, Woodland Hills 91367
(818) 237-9099
EDD has dedicated phone lines available for workers affected by the fires who have questions about unemployment benefits or need help applying for DUA:
English: 1-833-998-2284
Spanish: 1-855-964-0634
Other languages: 1-800-300-5616
Representatives are available 8:00am to 5:00pm (Pacific time), Monday through Friday, except on California state holidays.
EDD representatives are also available to help in person at Disaster Recovery Centers and at local America’s Job Center of California locations. -
Federal Programs
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Assistance
Individual assistance available is through FEMA Disaster Recovery. Below are registration options for FEMA Assistance and a video tutorial:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Applying online is easier, faster, and the most convenient. Application deadline is March 31, 2025.
- On the FEMA App, for mobile devices.
- Call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, open from 4am to 10pm (PT). Help is available in most languages.
- FEMA Video Tutorial on how to register for disaster assistance.
For more details on what FEMA can do for your business or home, visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery website.
US Small Business Administration (SBA)
Home, Business, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans
SBA disaster loans are available for eligible LA County victims of the wildfires.
To apply, please visit sba.gov/disaster. For more information, call the SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email- SBA Physical Disaster Loans
Homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations, and businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply. Application deadline is March 31, 2025. - SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations may be eligible. Application deadline is October 8, 2025.
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov .
Hardship Accommodation Plan
SBA offers Hardship Accommodation Plans for borrowers experiencing short-term financial challenges. Eligible borrowers may make reduced payments for a six-month period, with the option to renew. Interest will continue to accrue, which may increase or create a balloon payment due at the end of the loan term.
To learn more, please visit sba.gov/funding-programs.
Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers provide free one-on-one consulting, low-cost training services, and financial programs to small businesses and entrepreneurs. There are four locations in the Los Angeles area:
For general information, visit smallbizla.org.- LA Regional SBDC Network-Lead Center hosted by Long Beach City College
4900 East Conant Street Building O2, Suite #108, Long Beach, CA 90808
562-938-5020 - SBDC hosted by PCR Business Finance
3255 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite #1501, Los Angeles, CA 90010
213-674-2696 - SBDC hosted by Pasadena City College
3035 East Foothill Boulevard, Room #122, Pasadena, CA 91107
626-585-3105 - SBDC hosted by El Camino College
13430 Hawthorne Boulevard, Hawthorne, CA 90250
310-225-8277
Additional Business Resources
SBA Business Resource Partners
SBA business resource partners provide training, opportunities, and funding to local communities. Resource partners in the LA area include:
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide entrepreneurial training and counseling
- SCORE Business Mentors connect you with a business mentor
- Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) provides support to start or grow your business
- Women's Business Centers provide training, counseling, and resources to women-owned businesses
-
General Information
Animal Assistance
Palisades Fire
The LA Animal Services offers assistance finding your displaced pets and locating large animal evacuation centers. They also list urgent ways that you can help displaced animals.
Eaton Fire
The Pasadena Humane Society lists multiple ways to help locate you lost pets and how they are supporting the community.
Red Cross
The Red Cross LA Region is working with partners to ensure that community members affected by the wildfires have the support they need. They are providing meals and shelter, physical and mental health support, financial assistance, and help locating a loved one.
LA Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners and others to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County. Find food resources on their pantry locator or consider donating food, money and time.
Western Arts Alliance
The Western Arts Alliance lists resources to provide emergency support for artists and arts workers who have lost homes, livelihoods, studios, or been impacted by the wildfires in some other way.
