Federal disaster assistance provided for small businesses affected by Boyle Heights fire
LOS ANGELES:- Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved California’s request for a disaster declaration, making low-interest federal loans available to eligible small businesses and private non-profit organizations affected by the Boyle Heights warehouse fire in June.
Governor Gavin Newsom said, “The Boyle Heights community has endured tremendous disruption, and we moved quickly to bring every available resource to bear. These loans will help local businesses and nonprofits meet essential costs, retain workers, and move forward as the community recovers.”
The SBA issued the disaster declaration following an Aug. 10 request from California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs. The declaration covers Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.
“Recovery depends on getting practical assistance to communities as quickly as possible. Cal OES requested this declaration so affected businesses and nonprofits can access additional support to meet essential costs and continue serving the Boyle Heights community,” said Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs. “We will continue working with Los Angeles and our federal partners to connect eligible organizations with the resources they need to recover.”
On June 20, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County and took immediate action to support local emergency response efforts; in doing so, he mobilized state resources and streamlined the support process for response and recovery.
Since the fire, the State has promptly addressed every request from the City and County of Los Angeles to accelerate cleanup efforts, protect public health, and provide assistance to local residents, workers, and business owners.
