The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce is now providing free walk-in business, homeowner, and renter counseling to residents and businesses affected by the Palisades Fire and other Los Angeles County wildfires. The US Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on site at the Chamber’s office from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, excluding Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Business owners, homeowners, and renters can receive expert advice on applying for SBA Disaster Relief loans, which offer low interest rates and flexible repayment plans. The loans include Home & Renters (for property repairs) and Business Physical (for business damage), with an Economic Injury Disaster Loan available to small businesses and private non-profit organizations.
“We are committed to supporting our local community during this challenging time,” said Santa Monica Chamber President and CEO Judy Kruger. “Partnering with the SBA allows us to provide crucial resources and support to help our community recover and rebuild.”
The Malibu Pacific Palisades (PaliBu) Chamber of Commerce has also been affected by the fire, with over 75 businesses lost in the area, including several historic landmarks. The PaliBu contingent is offering a disaster relief workshop for businesses, providing resources and support to those affected.
In addition to loan assistance, the SBA is exploring grant opportunities and discussing individual financial-related points, such as unemployment benefits. Los Angeles County workers who lost their jobs or had hours reduced due to the disaster can now apply for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits, which offer up to $450 per week for 26 weeks.
Source: https://smdp.com/business/chamber-opens-office-to-sba-for-impacted-business-homeowners