Pacific Palisades Businesses Receive $400,000 in Wildfire Recovery Grants

Ten small businesses impacted by January’s wildfires, including six in Pacific Palisades, are receiving a total of $400,000 in recovery grants from Steadfast LA and Banc of California, announced today.

The grants, ranging up to $50,000 per business, will help cover rebuilding and reopening costs for recipients including Beach Side Café, Upstage Catering, The Palisades Dentists, Palisades Garden Café, Juicy Ladies, Vittorio’s, Knolls Pharmacy, and Pacific Palisades Veterinary Center. Some businesses experienced complete or severe structural damage, while others suffered significant revenue losses due to resident displacement following the fires. This aid is crucial as small businesses are often the backbone of local economies and their recovery is vital for community revitalization.

The funding is part of Steadfast LA’s Small Business Initiative, launched earlier this year to support communities affected by wildfires, including Malibu, Altadena, and Pasadena. Backed by a $1 million contribution from Banc of California, the initiative has distributed $525,000 in total since August. Steadfast LA was founded by developer Rick Caruso after the devastating fires to accelerate rebuilding efforts throughout Los Angeles County; you can learn more about their work here.

Business owners have stated the funds will be used for repairs, inventory replacement, and re-hiring employees. The January wildfires caused widespread destruction and evacuations in the Palisades and Malibu areas, leaving many local businesses struggling to remain operational. Officials stated that Steadfast LA will continue to assess needs and provide support as recovery efforts progress.