December 1st, 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath announced $310,000 in grant awards to support Malibu and Topanga Canyon small businesses impacted by wildfire-related road closures through the Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund (BIF). The program provides up to $20,000 in direct financial assistance to small businesses experiencing economic hardship due to extended closures of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Topanga Canyon Boulevard following the Palisades Fire.

“With this $310,000 commitment, we’re supporting Malibu and Topanga Canyon small businesses—vital places of gathering, sources of livelihood, and anchors of our local communities,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “These businesses are the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, and this funding is part of our ongoing commitment to help them recover from the hardships of 2025, and rebuild stronger than ever. I encourage everyone to shop local and keep these important places thriving.”

These grants deliver critical economic relief to local businesses still recovering from prolonged disruptions that severely limited customer access and contributed to significant revenue losses.

“When disaster strikes, the County must move quickly to provide targeted relief,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “This program shows what local government can do when we act nimbly and compassionately—partnering with trusted organizations like AidKit to get dollars directly to the businesses that need them most.”

Supervisor Horvath’s Office and DEO provided both in-person and virtual assistance throughout the application period, including webinars in English and Spanish and one-on-one support to help business owners apply for relief.

“We were incredibly grateful to receive the business grant. It came at a time when it was crucial to keeping our doors open. It feels like the Supervisor is truly paying attention to the needs of the small businesses in the community and helping,” Jaimi Brooks, owner of The Well Lived Woman. 

“Malibu Village Books is ever grateful to Supervisor Horvath and her staff for spearheading the Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund. She has given us a moment of reprieve as we continue to battle the landlords and get back on track from the fires and 6 months of PCH closure,” Michelle Pierce, owner of Malibu Village Books.

The Malibu–Topanga Business Interruption Fund is part of LA County’s comprehensive wildfire recovery efforts. Earlier this year, DEO launched the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds, in partnership with public and philanthropic partners including LA County, State of California, LA Rises, FireAid, California Community Foundation-CalFire, Wells Fargo, the Annenberg Foundation, Kayne Foundation, and Hilton Foundation.

Together, these funds have delivered more than $23.6 million to over 2,204 businesses and 2,843 workers across the region.

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