Small Business Assistance Can Take Many Forms

County Disaster Recovery Loans Help Keep Small Businesses Open in Time for Holiday Shoppers

November 26, 2025 – The Altadena Disaster Relief Small Business Loan Program was created by Los Angeles County in response to the Federal major disaster declaration for the State of California for the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on January 7, 2025. Its aim was to provide working capital to businesses significantly impacted by the Eaton fire resulting in a temporary closure or reduction in revenue.

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) opened the Loan Program on May 6, 2025, and accepted applications through June 30, 2025, with the intent to help sustain local establishments such as coffee shops, bakeries, salons, gyms, day spas, furniture stores, apparel retailers, and bookstores – businesses woven into the daily lives of Altadena residents.

The LACDA administered the Loan Program which provided working capital loans up to $75,000 for affected small businesses within two targeted zip codes, 91001 and 91104, in unincorporated Altadena. In total, 16 loans were approved, and 14 were accepted receiving a cumulative total investment of over $1 million in capital assistance.

“Each small business that stays open plays a role in the lives of fire survivors. Whether providing normalcy through a familiar face at a restaurant or a veterinary service that can continue caring for family pets, small businesses play a vital role in community rebuilding and ongoing economic sustainability,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “As Small Business Saturday approaches, on November 29, 2025, I encourage Los Angelenos to continue to support recovering communities.”

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Association in 2011. Throughout Los Angeles County, there are over 1.3 million small businesses with more women - and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned businesses than any other U.S. County. Now more than ever, small businesses, especially those located in disaster recovery areas, need support. Please join neighbors across the County to celebrate small businesses.

To learn more about Small Business Saturday, click here.  For ongoing Small Business resources in Los Angeles County, please click here.