PayPal stands with the Los Angeles community and remains committed to supporting wildfire relief and recovery efforts. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by these devastating events, and we are especially grateful for the first responders working tirelessly on the front lines.
PayPal can provide extra support for merchants impacted by the disaster, including help with PayPal Working Capital and PayPal Business Loan repayments. You can request assistance with repayments by contacting PayPal Business Loan at 866-406-2852 or PayPal Working Capital at 877-589-5164 between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday.
We’ve pulled together a list of resources and tips to assist during this time including:
Local Resources:
- The Red Cross is providing shelter and other resources locally – call 800-RED-CROSS for more information.
- Access to Disaster Assistance low interest loans provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
- Residents who have been evacuated can receive free Uber rides up to $40 if traveling to an evacuation site by using code WILDFIRE25.
- Airbnb and 211 LA are offering temporary shelter and housing opportunities. Additionally, 211 LA provides information regarding shelters, social and health services. Residents can call 211 for assistance.
- DoorDash has allocated $150,000 in grants for local restaurants impacted by the Los Angeles fires. Eligible small businesses can apply for $10,000 grants to cover structural repairs, supplies, payroll, and more.
- Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation is providing financial assistance to businesses impacted by the fires.
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, who we made a philanthropic contribution to, is collaborating with over 600 partner agencies to up various distribution points across the county to ensure displaced residents have access to food and essential supplies.
Resources and Business Tips:
- Employee Safety: Ensure they know evacuation plans and emergency procedures; provide flexibility and support as needed.
- Research for resources or grants: Additional support may be provided by the SBA and other business resources. Please stay tuned for any updates to this page with new information.
- Communicate with Customers (when possible): Use email, website and social media to keep customers informed about your business status and any changes to operations or if shipping may be delayed. For merchants who can’t fulfill orders, contact PayPal to proactively refund orders to customers and avoid chargebacks.
- Take pictures of equipment and other business assets: To help expedite and manage insurance claims, pictures of your business assets or inventory can help with the claims process.
- Take Care of Yourself: Managing a small business during a crisis is stressful. Take time to focus on your mental health and seek support if needed. Encourage your employees to prioritize their well-being as well.
How PayPal Can Help:
- PayPal can help pause PayPal Working Capital and PayPal Business Loan repayments for business customers impacted by the disaster who contact us for assistance. Contact information is provided above.
- Accept contactless mobile payments with Tap to Pay: Tap to Pay with Zettle by PayPal and with Venmo Business Profiles enables businesses to accept in-person contactless payments using their mobile device, with no additional hardware needed.
- Merchants can also accept donations to help their business manage the impact and recovery by creating a payment link or setting up a campaign through PayPal.
- Easy access to payments and invoices from your mobile device - PayPal makes it easy to send customized invoices or request payments using a personalized link/QR Code, typically receiving funds in just minutes.
- Access your PayPal funds instantly. The PayPal Business Debit Mastercard® allows you to use PayPal funds as soon as they are available with a digital debit card.
Evacuation Checklist:
Prepare a Go-Bag:
- ID, passport, insurance documents
- Medications and medical devices
- Important documentation such as insurance policies, contracts, etc.
- Non-perishable food, water, and hygiene kits
- Flashlight, batteries, and first-aid supplies
Protect Your Home and Business:
- Shut all windows and doors
- Turn off gas and electricity if instructed
- Move flammable items away from your house/business
Plan Your Route:
- Identify multiple evacuation routes
- Stay informed through CAL FIRE (fire.ca.gov)
As we receive more resources and information, we will update this page. Please continue to take care of yourselves. Community is now more important than ever, and we’re here to help.
The PayPal team