The Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund is administered by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation with program execution supported by B.S.D. Capital, Inc., doing business as Lendistry. This initiative aims to assist small businesses and nonprofit organizations that were significantly impacted by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires beginning January 7, 2025. These fires affected various areas in Los Angeles County, and the grant program seeks to empower businesses within these regions to recover, rebuild, and continue serving their communities.
This grant is specifically tailored to support enterprises operating within the defined Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Area. To qualify, applicants must be legally registered to do business in California as of June 1, 2023, and be either currently operating or planning to reopen within the specified impact zones. Applicants must also demonstrate that they were physically located in the area and had at least 50 percent of their clientele based there. The eligible zip codes include cities such as Malibu, Brentwood, Topanga, Altadena, and Pasadena, among others.
Grants are awarded based on annual gross revenue for the year 2023. Businesses with revenue between $5 million and $10 million may receive up to $25,000; those with revenue from $1 million to just under $5 million may be awarded $15,000; and those earning under $1 million are eligible for $10,000. These funds must be used exclusively for expenses related to the 2025 wildfires that are not otherwise covered by other assistance programs.
Eligibility exclusions apply to religious institutions, government entities (excluding Native American tribes), publicly traded companies, corporate-owned franchises, financial institutions, insurance companies, political or lobbying entities, and any business or individual disqualified due to legal or ethical violations. Detailed documentation is required, including proof of gross revenue, business registration, identification, and a validated bank account.
The application period opens on May 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. PT and closes on June 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PT. The process is not on a rolling basis and funds are limited, meaning eligibility does not guarantee funding. Interested parties can seek support from the Customer Experience Center, available weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT at 855-476-5870.
