Korean American Federation of Los Angeles(KAFLA) is helping small business owners and workers affected by recent wildfires apply for financial relief. Eligible applicants may receive up to $25,000 for small businesses and up to $2,000 for workers.
In partnership with the Asian Pacific Islander nonprofit organization PACE, the association will provide in-person assistance with grant applications on February 13 and 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the KAFLA headquarters.
The relief funds, administered by Los Angeles County, are divided into two programs: Small Business Relief Fund and Worker Relief Fund.
To qualify for the Small Business Relief Fund, businesses must be located in wildfire-affected areas, evacuation zones, or evacuation warning areas. Eligible businesses must have annual revenue of $6 million or less and employ no more than 100 workers.
For the Worker Relief Fund, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have worked for businesses in wildfire-affected or evacuation areas.
“Workers can apply regardless of their immigration status, as long as they can prove that their workplace closed or their hours were reduced due to the wildfires,” said Jeff Lee, executive director of the KAFLA.
Small business owners applying for aid must provide IRS Form 941 (quarterly tax report), a Social Security number, and documentation of wildfire-related losses.
Workers must submit proof of residence in Los Angeles County, recent pay stubs, and documents confirming that their workplace has either temporarily or permanently closed.
For more information: KAFLA, (323) 732-0700
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
