Last Updated: March 27, 2025
PACE Finance Corporation (PFC) has re-launched its Small Business Emergency Relief Loan Program (formerly known as the Disaster Express Loan Program). This program aims to deliver fast, flexible, and affordable financial assistance to businesses affected by the 2025 California wildfires.
If you’re in need of additional wildfire resources, click here to view PACE’s full resource list.
Program Details
Program: Small Business Emergency Relief Loan Program
Loan Amount: $5,000
Interest Rate: 5% annum fixed
Loan Term: 24 months, first payment deferred for 3 months
Loan Purpose: Immediate relief for urgent financial needs
Interest Refund Incentive: Receive a full interest refund at loan maturity if on-time payments are made throughout the loan term and annual financial covenant is submitted and maintained.
Eligibility:
- Must qualify as a small business under federal or state definitions.
- Business must operate and be registered in a fire-damaged area or its surrounding area (within a 10-mile radius of the affected zones). A reference list of qualifying ZIP codes can be found here. Businesses outside the listed ZIP codes may still be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can demonstrate significant impact due to proximity to the disaster zone.
- Must have been in operation for at least 12 months prior to the disaster.
- Credit Score: Minimum of 600
Documentation Requirements:
- Disaster Loan Application
- Government-issued photo ID
- Credit Report (PFC will obtain this and a minimum score of 600 is required)
- Business License or BTRC
- Business Bank Statements for the last 2 months (or personal bank statements, if sole proprietor)
- Most recent 1-year business and personal tax returns
- Formal hardship letter of how the applicant and their business were impacted by the wildfires
- Documentation of wildfire impact (photos, insurance claims, FEMA application, etc.)
- SBA form 641 – Page 1 (Download here)
Application Process:
- Submit an application and all relevant documents to: [email protected].
- Our team will review the application and will reach out to you if additional documentation or information is needed.
- If the application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
More Information:
- For questions, please contact [email protected] or call (213) 989-3172.
- Click here to visit the program website.
- Click here to download the program flyer.