July 23rd, 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath announced the launch of the Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund (BIF), a $250,000 grant program to help small businesses in Malibu and Topanga recover from economic losses caused by extended road closures following the Palisades Fire.

Supervisor Horvath secured discretionary funding to create this program, which is administered by the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) in partnership with AidKit. Eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 and $20,000 in financial relief to help offset revenue losses stemming from decreased customer access during prolonged closures of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

“Our local small businesses aren’t just surviving challenges — they’re shaping the comeback story of Malibu and Topanga,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “This fund is about fueling that momentum and making sure every business has a real chance to grow, succeed, and keep these communities moving forward. Six months after the wildfires, we’re not just rebuilding — we’re building a stronger future together.”

Applications open today, July 23, 2025, and will close on August 22, 2025, at 5 p.m. Award notifications will be issued in the fall, and payments will be made directly via ACH deposit.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of LA County’s economy, and when disaster strikes, we must meet the moment with real support,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity. “We’re proud to partner with Supervisor Horvath, whose leadership and investment has been instrumental in making this targeted relief a reality for the Malibu and Topanga communities. This is the kind of action that helps businesses not only recover but stay rooted for the long haul.”

“Malibu’s small businesses are the heart of our community, and they’ve faced extraordinary hardship in the wake of the fires and extended closures of Pacific Coast Highway. This new grant program offers meaningful relief to help our local businesses recover and thrive. We’re grateful to Supervisor Horvath and LA County for standing with Malibu during this critical time of rebuilding and resilience,” said Mayor Marianne Riggins, City of Malibu.

“The “Palisades Fire” caused a great deal of destruction in Topanga, as well as in the Palisades and Malibu. Our local businesses have been suffering for well over a year, due to an extensive road closure in the spring of 2024, the January fire, and the resulting lengthy road closures of PCH and Topanga Canyon Blvd. during the winter and spring of 2025. Some of our businesses have been forced to permanently lock their doors; others are barely surviving.

The new Business Interruption Fund will be a lifeline for our shops, restaurants and other businesses and help them survive while they rebuild their customer base. Even now, six months post-fire, many shoppers outside of Topanga do not know our businesses are fully functioning. The Fund should help them stay afloat and give them time to get the word out that “Topanga is Open for Business.”

The Chamber very much appreciates Supervisor Horvath’s efforts and the help we have received from her entire team,” said Ron Fomalont, President, Topanga Chamber of Commerce.

To qualify, businesses must:

• Be located in Malibu (90265) or Topanga (90290)
• Employ 100 or fewer workers
• Earn no more than $6 million in annual gross revenue
• Be a storefront business where customers physically come to transact business (some qualifying home-based businesses that require in-person clients, such as daycares, may also apply)
• Have been operating in California before January 1, 2025
• Be active and in good standing with all required tax and business licenses

Priority will be given to businesses that have not previously received financial assistance from the City of Malibu or LA County grant programs.

Apply and learn more at bit.ly/SD3BIF.

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