Small Business Emergency Resources

Accion Opportunity Fund is committed to supporting small business owners that are facing challenges due to emergency situations. If you are a business owner whose business has been impacted by an emergency- be it global, local, environmental, or personal, including the recent wildfires in LA- we are here to help. Check out our small business emergency resources below.

If you are an existing loan customer who has been impacted by an emergency situation and are concerned about missing a loan payment:

Contact us at 877-629-2709 or paymentsupport@aofund.org

We recognize that this is a difficult time for you, your family, and your business. We are committed to providing you with the best support to all aspects of your business through this crisis and beyond. 

Resources for Business Owners Impacted by the Wildfires in Southern California

AOF is supporting small business owners in Southern California through the Rebuild Southern California Small Business Relief Fund.

Grants and Funds

• LA Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Relief Fund: In response to the wildfire disaster, the LA Chamber Foundation has launched the Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund application will open on February 3, 2025. The program is designed to assist small businesses affected by the 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires.
• LiftFund Grant Program: LiftFund has launched a $250,000 grant program to support small business recovery. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $5,000 in immediate financial assistance to help rebuild and restore operations. This program is designed to provide critical relief to business owners affected by the disaster, ensuring they have the resources needed to recover and sustain their livelihoods.
• Small Business Relief Fund: The County and City of Los Angeles have launched the LA Region Small Business Relief Fund to support businesses and nonprofits affected by wildfires and windstorms. Eligible organizations with up to $6 million in revenue and fewer than 100 employees can apply for grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. This fund provides crucial financial aid to help businesses recover, rebuild, and sustain operations. The application is open now through March 2, 2025, at 5pm.
• LA Wildfire Relief Fund: LA Wildfire Relief Fund provides $5,000 in immediate assistance to microbusinesses, self-employed workers, and service industry entrepreneurs affected by recent events. This grant helps with revenue replacement, relocation costs, and damage repairs. Designed to support small businesses often excluded from federal aid, it offers critical relief to help them rebuild and restore operations.

Resources

• SBA California Wildfires Resources: The SBA provides emergency resources to businesses of all sizes impacted by the LA wildfires and winds in California, including disaster relief loans. También disponible en Español, a través de la función de traducción.
• City of LA Economic & Workforce Development Department: In response to the devastating LA wildfires, the LA EWDD has identified and shared many resources available to businesses and workers as recovery and rebuilding efforts begin. También disponible en Español, a través de la función de traducción.
• LA Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program: Free Legal Help for Los Angeles Region’s Small Business Owners. Provided by The County of Los Angeles Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and Public Counsel.
• CAMEO California Wildfires Relief Business Resources: CAMEO, California’s statewide micro-business network, has compiled a directory of dozens of local and federal resources for businesses and nonprofits impacted by LA wildfires. Se incluye recursos en Español.
• California Tax Relief For Businesses Impacted by Los Angeles Wildfires: Per the Governor’s office, the state of California is providing tax relief and extensions to individuals and businesses impacted by the LA wildfires. También disponible en Español, a través de la función de traducción.
• Wildfire Business Resource Directory: Get updates on the current wildfire situation in LA and access resources for business recovery. También disponible en Español, a través de la función de traducción.
• Legal Help After a Disaster | State Bar of California: Key resources that provide legal assistance and support during disaster recovery, including the California Wildfires. También disponible en Español, a través de la función de traducción.

AOF Small Business Emergency Resources

We offer many resources to support business owners in all aspects of their business. We are pleased to share our small business emergency resources to keep entrepreneurs informed about emergency management topics for small business owners and best practices during this difficult time.

Emergency Resources

• Managing Small Business Cash on Hand During Emergencies: Learn best practices on managing cash on hand during emergencies.
• Where Can I Get Emergency Funds for My Business?: Explore your options for covering cash needs when your business is suddenly strapped for cash, helping you navigate tough times until things stabilize.

Long Term business Recovery

• Revising Your Business Plan for Recovery: Revise your business plans to adapt to the challenges posed by any disaster, including wildfires, ensuring a clear path to recovery and long-term success in the aftermath of disaster.
• Weather Any Storm: Developing Business Resiliency: This link will help business owners navigate the challenges of LA wildfires by providing strategies to protect operations, ensure continuity, and promote long-term resilience.
• Business Continuity Plan: How to Stay Open During a Natural Disaster: Create or refine your business continuity plan to ensure you can recover quickly after a wildfire, staying open and operational even during the most challenging circumstances.
• Estrategias para reconstruir y operar su negocio: Se describe los pasos que debemos tomar para poder reconstruir y volver a operar nuestro negocio en una plataforma sólida para tener éxito.

General Business Resources

• AOF Business Resource Library: Review our business resource library, filled with resources sourced from experts and experienced business owners.
• Free Business Advising: Connect with one of our certified business advisors to get your questions answered and craft a recovery plan for your business.
• AOF Newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about our latest educational resources, including webinars. They are always free!

Trusted Partner Resources

• Start Small Think Big: Pro bono remote legal assistance clinic.
• Small Business Majority: National small business organization that empowers entrepreneurs.

Updated February 25, 2025.