The California wildfires have caused immense devastation, and understandably, this crisis is impacting businesses, families, and individuals across the state. Whether you are facing challenges in continuing your business operations or caring for your loved ones, we recognize the difficulty this disaster has brought.
In an effort to support you during these challenging times, here are some resources that may assist you as you work towards recovery and rebuilding.
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Emergency Relief and Recovery Resources
• Red Cross Shelters: Find open shelters in your area by visiting Red Cross Shelters.
• Cal OES (California Office of Emergency Services): Get evacuation orders and local emergency services information at Cal OES.
• FEMA Assistance: Apply for federal disaster aid at Disaster Assistance or call 1-800-621-3362.
• Disaster Distress Helpline: For immediate emotional support, call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
• Feeding America: Locate a food bank near you by visiting Feeding America.
• California HOPE Program: Free crisis counseling is available at California HOPE or call 1-833-317-HOPE (4673).
• ASPCA Disaster Response: Visit ASPCA Disaster Response for pet-related assistance.
• California Department of Insurance Wildfire Resource Center: Get help with insurance claims, policy reviews, and legal questions related to wildfire damage at California Department of Insurance. Helpline: 1-800-927-4357.
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Small Business Resources
• SBA Disaster Assistance Loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest loans for businesses affected by natural disasters. Apply online at SBA Disaster Assistance. Contact the SBA Customer Service Center: 1-800-659-2955 or email [email protected].
• California IBank Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program: Offers loan guarantees of up to 95% for small businesses unable to access traditional financing. Visit California IBank.
• California Rebuilding Fund: Provides flexible, affordable loans for small businesses recovering from disasters. Learn more at California Rebuilding Fund.
• Small Business Legal Assistance: Get free legal advice for wildfire-related business issues from local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and organizations like California Lawyers for the Arts. Find an SBDC near you at America’s SBDC.
• FEMA Small Business Resources: Access guides for rebuilding and adapting your business after a disaster at FEMA Small Business Resources.
• California Small Business Resources for Disaster Recovery: Find information on grants, loans, and recovery strategies tailored for California small businesses at California Small Business Resources.
• SCORE Wildfire Recovery Mentorship: Receive free, expert mentoring for businesses navigating disaster recovery at SCORE Wildfire Recovery Mentorship.
• Local Chambers of Commerce: Many chambers offer grants, guidance, and connections to resources for small businesses during wildfire recovery.
• Google’s Crisis Response for Small Businesses: Google offers temporary advertising credits, tools, and resources to help businesses maintain online visibility. Learn more at Google Crisis Response.
• Shopify Disaster Assistance Program: Provides financial relief and tools for e-commerce businesses affected by natural disasters. Visit Shopify Disaster Assistance Program.
For additional guidance, reach out to your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at California Business.
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We all hope and pray that the wildfires are contained and extinguished as soon as possible. We also encourage you to share this information with anyone who may benefit from it. Your community may need this support, and together, we can help those affected by these fires get back on their feet.
Stay safe, and know we are praying for you during this challenging time.
