Wave Staff Report
LOS ANGELES — With help from Amazon, the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce has launched the GLAAACC Phoenix Fund, a special collaboration to support small, minority-owned businesses impacted by the January 2025 wildfires. The chamber has awarded 17 grants to small businesses working to recover and rebuild, one step at a time.
The Phoenix Fund Grant was announced during the chamber’s recent 31st Economic Awards Dinner. Ron Frierson, Amazon’s director of economic development for the Western U.S., said, “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.”
Chamber 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 GLAAACC 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,” Henderson said. “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,” Henderson added. “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 GLAAACC Phoenix Fund which has been instrumental during this challenging period.”
The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce is 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.
