Los Angeles County launched a $250,000 Business Suspension Fund for Malibu and Topganga Small Businesses on Wednesday following the Palisade fire.
Eligible companies affected by long road closures can receive between $10,000 and $20,000.
The employer has mentioned road closures at Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon after the January wildfires led to a sharp decline in customer traffic and reduced critical revenues to small shops and restaurants. Some have been forced to close forever, while others have barely survived.
Applications will be accepted between July 23rd and August 22nd. Once approved, grants will be deposited directly through an automated clearinghouse network, along with a notice of the expected fall award.
Priority considerations are given to applicants who have not received previous financial assistance from the Malibu City or LA County grant program.
“Malibu’s small businesses are at the heart of our community and are facing extraordinary challenges in the wake of the fires and extended closures on the Pacific Coast Highway,” said Mayor Marianne Riggins, Malibu. “This new grant programme provides meaningful relief to help local businesses recover and thrive.”
According to the fund’s website, companies to qualify must:
Located in Malibu (90265) or Topanga (90290), fewer than 100 workers run in California before their clients physically come to trade before January 1, 2025, and employ less than 100 workers who earn $6 million in total annual revenues due to their superior status with all required taxes and business licenses.
Before Palisades started a fire, Malibu businesses were affected after PCH was closed in spring 2024 due to a landslide following a winter storm in LA.
In May, the city of Malibu also provided $50-20,000 to $20,000 to stores affected by the January wildfires, winter storms and PCH closures, and established a micro-stabilization grant program for small businesses.
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