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LA County Launches Business Interruption Fund for Topanga Small Businesses

LA County Launches Program to Help Small Businesses in Topanga Stay Afloat Amid Topanga Canyon Boulevard Closure

The small business owners in the unincorporated town of Topanga have been facing a tough time ever since Topanga Canyon Boulevard, a major thoroughfare connecting the coast to the San Fernando Valley, was closed due to a landslide in early March. With the road expected to remain closed until at least the fall, businesses in the area have been struggling to stay afloat.

In response to the crisis, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath announced a new program aimed at providing financial assistance to small business owners in and around Topanga. Starting July 1, businesses will be able to apply for one-time grants of up to $10,000 as part of a business interruption fund.

“We just said, what is it that you actually need? And so this financial assistance is something that they said would make the difference,” Horvath said. “I know people are trying to figure out how they keep staff on through this time, how they are able to prepare. A couple months is different than a year.”

The closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard has had a significant impact on the local economy, as many businesses rely on the traffic passing through town. Enrico Busto, who owns a custom hat shop in Topanga, shared that his business has seen a 50% decrease in revenue since the closure.

To help boost business in the area, Busto helped organize Second Saturday, a monthly event featuring music, activities, and entertainment to attract visitors to Topanga. The next event is scheduled for June 8th.

Ronald Fomalont, president of the Topanga Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that despite the road closure, the town of Topanga is still open for business. He encouraged people to visit and support the local businesses, noting that all establishments can still be accessed from the valley side.

For more information on the business interruption fund and how to apply, interested parties can visit the county website. LA County’s initiative aims to provide much-needed support to small businesses in Topanga during this challenging time, ensuring that they can weather the storm and continue serving their community.