6 MONTHS AFTER THE WILDFIRES: BUSINESSES CONTINUE TO RISE
Los Angeles, California, August 8th, 2025 – With help from Amazon, the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce launched the GLAAACC Phoenix Fund, a special collaboration with Amazon to support small, minority-owned businesses impacted by the devastating wildfires that spread in January of this year. Today, GLAAACC is proud to announce that the Phoenix Fund has awarded seventeen grants to small businesses working to recover and rebuild, one step at a time.
Pictured above: (L-R): GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale, David Ambroz of Amazon, Ron Frierson of Amazon, GLAAACC President Angela Gibson-Shaw.
The Phoenix Fund Grant was announced during GLAAACC’s 31st Economic Awards Dinner. Ron Frierson, Amazon’s Director of Economic Development of the Western U.S. commented, “During these difficult times, a grant can be a lifeline for a small business, especially those small businesses impacted by the recent wildfires. A grant can be a source of immediate financial relief to help a business stay afloat, reopen quicker, or perhaps help with temporary relocation costs.”
GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale added, “More than financial support, these grants are a recognition of the strength and perseverance of small businesses dedicated to rebuilding in the face of hardship. The Phoenix Fund reflects a shared commitment to invest in not just the long-term economic success of small businesses, but the people and families behind them.”
The selected businesses represent a diverse range of industries, from entertainment professionals to day care operations, each an important member of the affected communities.
“The fire caused a total loss of our physical facility,” says Shelene Hearring Owner of Two Dragons Martial Arts. “This funding will help us retain our students and staff while continuing our mission to empower youth and strengthen families through martial arts.”
Grant recipients used the funds for everything from replacing damaged inventory and repairing structural damage to covering lost income and rehiring staff.
Stacy Henderson is the owner of Silhouette Hair Studio, another business affected by the disruptive fires. “Currently, I am still in the early stages of recovery following the wildfires that impacted my business. The area where my business was located has just recently been cleared of debris, which is an encouraging first step towards rebuilding. It is my goal to relocate my business back to the same area once the environment is fully restored and suitable for operations. In the meantime, I am continuing to operate out of a temporary location to maintain business and continue to serve my customers. I am grateful for the support provided by the Phoenix Fund which has been instrumental during this challenging period.”
GLAAACC is now encouraging corporate partners, philanthropic organizations, and individual donors to continue contributing to those still recovering and rebuilding. The initial round of grants made a meaningful impact, but the need remains significant as many businesses face a long road to full recovery.
The inspiring resilience of the businesses supported by the GLAAACC Phoenix Fund is just the beginning. With Amazon’s partnership, seventeen businesses have taken powerful first steps toward recovery, but many more still need our help.
You can be part of the ongoing effort to rebuild and strengthen communities affected by the California wildfires. Whether you’re a corporate leader, a member of a philanthropic organization, or an individual who simply wants to make a difference, your support can directly impact a small business owner’s ability to recover, rehire, and rebuild.
Here’s how you can help:
- Spread the Word – Share this story and the mission of the GLAAACC Phoenix Fund with your network to grow awareness and support.
- Partner with Purpose – Businesses and organizations can collaborate with GLAAACC to expand the reach and resources of the fund.
Let’s stand together to ensure that no resilient business is left behind. Visit glaaacc.org/donate/ to learn more and contribute today.
View more pictures from the event here.
Read more articles for the ConnectComm Community here.