Applications Open for LA Area Chamber Foundation Wildfire Recovery Grants

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The application period for a Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation wildfire recovery grant is open now through June 6 at 5 p.m. for small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

“The Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund grant program is designed to support qualified small businesses impacted by the catastrophic Los Angeles County wildfires beginning January 7 throughout the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Area,” according to information available on the website.

To qualify for the program, the authorized signer (owner or officer) submitting the application must be at least 18 years old. The business or nonprofit must have had $10 million or less in annual revenue for 2023. Eligible zip codes in the Palisades fire area include 90049, 90263, 90265, 90272 and 90290.

The entity must also be “currently open and operating within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Area” or plan “to reopen and resume operations within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Area.” They must also meet both of the following criteria: “is/was physically located within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Area” and “50% or more of its business clientele base is/was located within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Areas.”

A complete list of eligibility requirements is available here. The application period, which opened May 7 at 9 a.m., is subject to change.

“Through our Small Business Recovery Fund and other efforts, we’re empowering entrepreneurs to restart and reimagine,” the LA Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation wrote. “We’re rallying residents to support their neighborhoods, and reminding the world that when Los Angeles comes together, there’s no limit to what we can rebuild.”