Small Business Resources For Those Affected By LA Fire
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Ethan Swope/AP
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have shaken our creative community, hitting small businesses in the film, photo, and media industries especially hard. Whether you’re a production company, studio, or independent agency, the challenges of recovering from lost equipment, damaged workspaces, or disrupted operations can feel overwhelming. At The Producer, we recognize the critical role these businesses play in shaping the creative world, and we’re here to support you. Below, you’ll find essential resources, funding opportunities, and recovery programs designed to help creative small businesses get back on their feet and thrive.
Small businesses can apply for SBA Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged machinery, equipment, and inventory at low interest rates. Visit sba.gov/disaster to start your application. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration)
If your small business is experiencing economic hardship from the wildfires but has no physical damage, you can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) to cover working capital needs through sba.gov/disaster. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration)
Small businesses working with local fire management can receive up to 75% reimbursement for eligible fire suppression costs through FEMA's Fire Management Assistance Grants program. Connect with your local emergency management office for details. (Source: FEMA)
Los Angeles small businesses can access free recovery assistance at their BusinessSource Centers, offering both in-person and remote support for navigating disaster recovery. (Source: City of Los Angeles)
Small business owners can receive free individualized consulting and affordable training through California Small Business Development Centers - find your local center at californiasbdc.org. (Source: California SBDC Network)
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Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans:
The SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, with loans up to $2 million available to repair or replace damaged property and assets 5. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are also available to help meet working capital needs 5.
Thumzup Media Corporation Support Program:
Thumzup has launched a $10,000 aid program offering up to $200 in credits per business location to encourage customer-driven social media posts and support rebuilding efforts 2.
BusinessSource Centers:
The City of Los Angeles has 10 BusinessSource Centers providing remote or in-person assistance to impacted businesses 6.
Small Business Development Centers:
These centers offer no-cost, one-on-one consulting and low-cost training services to small businesses and entrepreneurs 6.
LA Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program:
This program provides free legal assistance to small businesses needing guidance post-disaster 9.
Pasadena City College/SBDC Center:
Offers expert business and economic development assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs 9.
Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC):
Provides a planning guide for business operations after natural disasters 9.
SBA Disaster Loans:
Low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million for businesses to repair or replace damaged property, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets 48.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs):
Offered by the SBA to help small businesses meet working capital needs caused by the disaster, even without physical damage 4.
FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs):
Provides 75% reimbursement of eligible fire suppression costs for local, state, and tribal agencies 2.
California Office of Emergency Services Support:
State-level assistance coordinating with federal agencies and providing additional resources 2.
Virtual Business Recovery Center:
SBA customer service representatives available to answer questions about disaster loan programs and assist with applications 5.
Free Business Counseling:
Offered by organizations like the Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center to help affected businesses in their recovery 5.
Hazard Mitigation Funding:
Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. 1.
Emergency Protective Measures:
Federal funding available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments for emergency protective measures 1.
Temporary Housing Grants:
FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing for affected individuals and families 1.
Home Repair Grants: FEMA provides grants for home repairs not covered by insurance to affected individuals 1.
The film, photo, and media industries have always been built on creativity, resilience, and collaboration—qualities that will carry us through even the toughest challenges. For small businesses in these fields, recovery after the wildfires is about more than just rebuilding; it’s about preserving the heart of our creative ecosystem. We hope these resources help lighten the load and provide a starting point for your next steps. If you’re aware of other programs or opportunities specifically for the creative industries, email us at hello@theproducer.com so we can share them with our community. Together, we can support one another and ensure our creative legacy endures.