Key Takeaways
SBA Loans for Small Business Funding: LA businesses can apply for disaster loans through the SBA and get support at local Business Recovery Centers.
LA Chamber Fund: The LA Chamber offers grants ($5k-$10k) and resources to help wildfire-impacted small businesses.
Corporate Donations: Companies like Amazon and Mattel are donating supplies and funds, creating partnership opportunities for small businesses.
Amazon’s Relief: Amazon has donated $10 million, including food and supplies, with potential for business partnerships.
Walmart’s Support: Walmart’s mobile kitchen and $2.5M donation offer collaboration opportunities for food service and logistics companies.LA Chamber Fund: The LA Chamber offers grants ($5k-$10k) and resources to help wildfire-impacted small businesses.
Getting Help for Your Small Business for the LA Wildfires
As I personally know how the LA wildfires have affected numerous businesses, I’d like to share some helpful resources. If you’re a small business owner like myself, you may find some much-needed relief in the form of some of these programs. I know it can be difficult if you were affected by the LA wildfires, but realize that you’re not alone. As I always recommend, take your time to fully research these options and chat with your mentor or trusted advisors before making any big decisions. It’s important to stay strong and keep persevering, as better days are ahead!
A Friend of Mine Lost their Home—A Client of Mine Lost Their Business
My heart breaks for them and I carry their grief every day. At the FireAid Concert, Billy Crystal lost the house he lived in with his family for 46 years. He’s 76 years old and now he’s starting over. His is one of many stories.
Here’s how you can get help. Funding for small business owners is now available thanks to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The organization recently announced how certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Los Angeles County are now eligible to apply for federal disaster loans linked to the LA wildfires. There are also currently three Business Recovery Centers (BRC) located in the vicinity that host specialized help for business owners suffering from natural disasters. According to the official site, appointments are not necessary and business owners are able to meet individually with SBA customer service agents. This is definitely worth looking into some more.
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has launched the Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund. The fund was established to help small business owners directly who have suffered the negative impacts from the LA wildfires. The Chamber Foundation has already raised $1 million with some of the noteworthy donations including $500,000 from Bank of America and $250,000 each from Ring and Chevron.
This fund will also help provide business grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, financial resources through CDFI partners, disaster recovery webinars, and business advising to help with recovery. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation will also support the administration of the grant process to help with efficiency and transparency. If you’re interested, you can read all about the details and available options by visiting their website at lachamber.com.
Photo by Olenka Kotyk via Unsplash
Sponsorship Ideas from Major Companies
According to Business Insider, several major companies have announced their contributions to help victims of the LA wildfires. It’s good to know that such large companies have taken notice and are doing their part to help to some degree. Along with their contributions, there might be an opportunity to reach out about sponsorship of your business and also planning on helping the communities negatively affected by the LA wildfires.
1. Amazon’s Disaster Relief Efforts
Amazon has made a public donation of $10 million, which includes things like supplies, respirators, and gloves. Food donations are also being given via Amazon Fresh. This could open up opportunities for companies in similar industries to partner with Amazon for matching donations or collaborative fundraising campaigns. If your business deals with health and safety equipment, or food services, you could explore partnerships with Amazon if you plan to host community-focused campaigns to help victims of the wildfires.
Photo by Alessandro Guarino via Unsplash
2. Mattel Children’s Foundation
Mattel is engaging in relief efforts through the Mattel Children’s Foundation. This could be an opportunity for you if you represent a company involved in children’s welfare, education, or family-oriented products. If you plan to help the LA community, you could try reaching out to Mattel for partnership opportunities in distributing toys, supplies, or educational materials to help those in need.
3. Walmart’s Relief Kitchen and Donations
Walmart’s mobile kitchen has announced at least $2.5 million in donations to the LA fires disaster relief. If your business is connected with food service, retail, and supply chain sectors, you might want to reach out to Walmart about collaborating on feeding and supporting fire-impacted populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What relief is available for small businesses?
Businesses can apply for SBA disaster loans, grants from the LA Chamber (up to $10k), and support from companies like Amazon and Walmart.
How can I apply for help?
Apply for SBA loans at Business Recovery Centers or online. The LA Chamber offers grants—check their website for details.
Are there sponsorship and partnership opportunities?
Yes, companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Mattel are offering donations and support, with potential partnership opportunities for food, safety, and family-focused businesses.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been affected by the LA wildfires, I know just how difficult things have been. Thankfully, there are numerous resources out there available to help you. Take the time to explore these options and lean on your mentors and advisors for support. I know it’s tough right now, but stay vigilant—we’ll get through this together! Take care, and thank you for being part of this resilient community. Your strength and giving spirit mean so much to me.