Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath announced the launch of the Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund, a $250,000 grant program to help small businesses recover from economic losses caused by extended road closures following the Palisades Fire.
Horvath secured discretionary funding to create the program, which is administered by the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity in partnership with AidKit. Eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 and $20,000 in financial relief to help offset revenue losses stemming from decreased customer access during prolonged closures of Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
"Our local small businesses aren't just surviving challenges — they're shaping the comeback story of Malibu and Topanga," Horvath said. "This fund is about fueling that momentum and making sure every business has a real chance to grow, succeed, and keep these communities moving forward."
Applications opened Jul. 23 and will close Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. Award notifications will be issued in the fall, and payments will be made directly via ACH deposit.
"Our small businesses are the backbone of LA County's economy, and when disaster strikes, we must meet the moment with real support," said Kelly LoBianco, director of the Department of Economic Opportunity. "This is the kind of action that helps businesses not only recover but stay rooted for the long haul."
Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins said the grant program offers meaningful relief to help local businesses recover and thrive after facing extraordinary hardship from the fires and extended highway closures.
Ron Fomalont, president of the Topanga Chamber of Commerce, said local businesses have been suffering for well over a year due to extensive road closures. Some businesses have been forced to permanently close while others are barely surviving.
"The new Business Interruption Fund will be a lifeline for our shops, restaurants and other businesses and help them survive while they rebuild their customer base," Fomalont said.
To qualify, businesses must be located in Malibu or Topanga, employ 100 or fewer workers, earn no more than $6 million in annual gross revenue, be a storefront business where customers physically come to transact business, have been operating in California before Jan. 1, 2025, and be active and in good standing with all required tax and business licenses.
Priority will be given to businesses that have not previously received financial assistance from the City of Malibu or LA County grant programs.
Apply and learn more at https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/malibu-topanga-business-interruption-fund/
Edited by SMDP Staff