Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to support small business owners and workers affected by the Los Angeles-area firestorms. The order aims to help local businesses recover swiftly by deferring annual licensure fees for workers and businesses, as well as waiving other requirements that may hinder recovery efforts.

"Small businesses are not only key to a thriving economy but make up the heart of healthy communities. As we help Los Angeles rise and rebuild, it is crucial that we protect and support the businesses and workers affected. Just as we have removed red tape to rebuild our homes, we are breaking down barriers and helping pave the way for impacted businesses and workers to get back on their feet," said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The executive order includes measures such as extending deadlines for renewing licenses, certificates, and permits; waiving fees for duplicate or replacement licenses; extending deadlines for appealing license-related proceedings; and eliminating relocation barriers for certain businesses impacted by the fires.

California is collaborating with federal and local providers to assist businesses and workers in recovering from the firestorms. The Employment Development Department (EDD) offers unemployment benefits, disability insurance, Paid Family Leave benefits, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Employers can request extensions on payroll reports and taxes or participate in the Work Sharing program. Additionally, $20 million has been allocated to create temporary jobs in affected areas through America’s Job Center of California.

Over 200 business advisors from Small Business Support Centers funded through CalOSBA's Technical Assistance Program (TAP) are available across the region. These advisors provide guidance on economic recovery aspects such as loan applications, insurance inquiries, employee support, and business planning related to individual recovery plans.

CalOSBA has launched a Resource Guide for small businesses impacted by wildfires via its Outsmart Disaster website. It also conducts online training sessions in English and Spanish. Financial assistance is available through loan programs offered by the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) for businesses with one to 750 employees affected by the LA wildfires.

The Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB) is expediting licensing applications within 48 hours to aid rebuilding efforts. CSLB also advises survivors at Disaster Recovery Centers to hire licensed contractors only. Investigation teams are warning against unlicensed contracting in disaster areas.

Boards like Barbering and Cosmetology are rescheduling licensing exams at no charge due to lost physical licenses from fires.

For those impacted by the firestorms in Los Angeles County seeking assistance, resources are available online at CA.gov/LAfires or DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or using FEMA's smartphone application.