County Distributes 1st Round Of Palisades Fire Aid To Businesses, Workers

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Small businesses, nonprofits and workers impacted by the Palisades Fire are set to receive $2.7 million in relief funds this week, marking the first round of such funding distributed by Los Angeles County.

The money will go to 82 businesses and 324 workers who submitted their applications by March 2, according to Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. The money is distributed as part of LA County's Small Business and Worker Relief Funds.

"While this first phase of funding will help businesses stay afloat and workers regain stability, L.A. County is committed to supporting those impacted, and will continue to work with our philanthropic community who continues to step up for our most vulnerable Angelenos," Horvath said.

The businesses and nonprofits in this first round of funds had brick-and-mortar locations that were destroyed in the fires. The workers experienced permanent job or income loss due to their workplace being destroyed or permanently closed, she said.

The second round of awards — totaling $15.9 million — will be announced the week of March 31, representing those who submitted applications by last week's deadline.

Any business, nonprofit or worker who applied by the deadline and was not selected in this first round will be considered for the second, Horvath said.

The money will be distributed through AidKit once applicants complete an enrollment process confirming their preferred method of receiving the funds, Horvath said.

The county was planning to start disbursing $53.9 million in relief funds in the coming weeks to impacted households, small businesses and workers, including $32.2 million directly from the County and $21.7 million in contributions coming from philanthropy and Governor Gavin Newsom.

City News Service contributed to this report.