Applications Now Open for Steadfast LA’s Small Business Initiative

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 11, 2025 – Steadfast LA has opened applications for its Small Business Initiative. The program, which was initially announced last week, is made possible by a $1 million donation from Banc of California. Grant administration is led by LiftFund, an independent nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with over 30 years of experience providing financial and technical assistance to small businesses.

Business owners impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires can now apply online at https://www.liftfund.com/la-small-business-initiative/. The grant application portal opened on August 11, and grants will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and determined by the applicants’ need. Small business owners who previously submitted interest forms have been notified by email that the applications are open.

A full list of eligibility and required documents to apply can be found on the program website, and include some of the following criteria:

• Located in Palisades, Malibu, or Altadena, and the applicant must reside in LA County or a contiguous county
• Have experienced physical or financial disruption due to the January 2025 wildfires
• Must operate from a storefront location (no online-only businesses).

Grant application assistance in English and Spanish is available by calling LiftFund at 888-215-2373.

In addition to financial support, Steadfast LA will continue to highlight the resilience of fire-impacted entrepreneurs through a social media storytelling campaign, designed to encourage consumers to shop local and support businesses during recovery.

LiftFund provided rapid deployment of nearly $400,000 in emergency grants within days of the January wildfires. This continued investment in small business recovery underscores the need for sustained, long-term support to rebuild and move forward with resiliency.

About Steadfast LA

Steadfast LA, founded and led by Rick Caruso, is a civic nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding Los Angeles after the devastating January 2025 fires. United by resilience and a shared vision for a stronger future, the organization comprises Angelenos committed to revitalizing the Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades communities. The group aims to accelerate the rebuilding process with efficiency and innovation by bringing together top leaders, bold ideas, and effective solutions to get things done right and fast. Visit https://www.steadfastla.com for more information about the organization and follow their efforts on social media: X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

About LiftFund

LiftFund is a nonprofit small business lender that has risen to be the unsung hero for small businesses across the country. Founded in 1994, LiftFund provides capital, financial coaching, tools and resources to entrepreneurs who do not have access to capital from commercial sources. LiftFund is the nation’s mission-driven leader in small business disaster relief, deploying hundreds of millions in recovery funding with speed and expertise to help entrepreneurs rebuild after a crisis. Since its inception, LiftFund has provided more than $1 billion in capital for thousands of small businesses across the country. They offer lending options ranging from $500 to $10 million.

Contacts:

Steadfast LA – Jeremy Adler, jeremy@uplandworkshop.com

LiftFund – Caitlin Cowert-de Leon, ccowart-deleon@liftfund.com