National ACE Stands Together to Support Those Impacted by Los Angeles Wildfires
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2025
PRESS CONTACT
Emily Fuder
efuder@nationalace.org
[January 15, 2025, Los Angeles, CA] – The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) stands in solidarity with the individuals, families, and business owners affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles, particularly in the Palisades and Eaton areas. These tragic events have displaced entire communities, destroyed homes, and caused immeasurable damage to businesses that serve as economic and cultural lifelines for their neighborhoods.
Los Angeles is home to one of the most vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the country. Over the past 40 years, Los Angeles County’s Asian population has grown from 417,000 in 1980 to over 1.4 million today, with nearly 300,000 AAPI-owned businesses making up 20% of all small businesses in the region. These enterprises have been instrumental in building a thriving, diverse local economy, but now many face unprecedented challenges due to these fires.
National ACE is committed to supporting the recovery efforts of AAPI entrepreneurs, who have built their businesses from the ground up and serve as cornerstones of Los Angeles’ economic and cultural landscape. We are providing information on resources to help rebuild these vital enterprises and communities.
Disaster Recovery and Support Services
LA County Disaster Recovery Centers: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, offering assistance with lost vital records, disaster relief loan applications, and referrals for mental health counseling.
Westside Location: UCLA Research Park (formerly Westside Pavilion), 10850 W. Pico Blvd.
Pasadena Location: Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd.
BusinessSource Centers: Located across Los Angeles, providing free consultations, employment support, and assistance with microenterprise grants and loans. Access the Interactive Map for locations.
Business Response Unit: For tailored business support, contact (213) 744-7150 or email labusinessresponse@lacity.org.
Employment Support: Apply for benefits through the State of California if your job has been disrupted by the fires.
Shelter and Donations: Find the latest updates on shelters and donation centers via CalOES.
Federal Assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance:
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA App.
Helpline: 1-800-621-3362 (4:00 AM to 10:00 PM PST). Assistance available in multiple languages.
FEMA Video Tutorial on how to register for disaster assistance.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance:
Apply for home, business, or economic injury disaster loans at sba.gov/disaster.
Access the Hardship Accommodation Plan for short-term financial relief.
Additional Resources
ACE Next Gen:
For immediate assistance: Outreach Form for Families Affected by Fires.
To offer support: Donations and Support Form.
The Asian Business Association in Los Angeles: stay updated on vital resources for those affected by the fires.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): SBDCs provide free consulting, training, and assistance in accessing grants, loans, and state-backed programs.
Los Angeles Regional SBDC Lead Center: 4900 East Conant St., Long Beach, CA 90808 | (562) 938-5020
Pasadena SBDC: 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Room 122, Pasadena, CA 91107 | (626) 585-3105
El Camino College SBDC: 13430 Hawthorne Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250 | (310) 225-8277
PCR Business Finance SBDC: 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1501, Los Angeles, CA 90010 | (213) 674-2696
National ACE is dedicated to standing alongside AAPI communities and businesses during this challenging time. Together, we will work to rebuild and honor the contributions of AAPI entrepreneurs to Los Angeles’ history and future.
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About National ACE:
National ACE serves as a strong advocate for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business interests, promoting positive change that enhances the goals of AAPI entrepreneurs and leaders. With over 130 affiliate chambers and partnerships nationwide, National ACE champions issues that impact the AAPI business community.