This Small Business Saturday offers a meaningful chance to support Malibu’s ongoing recovery, especially in the wake of recent wildfires and prolonged closures of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). As the city’s mayor and a lifelong resident, Marianne Riggins emphasizes the vital role small enterprises play in shaping the community’s character. From eateries and art spaces to service providers, these establishments serve as social hubs where relationships grow and milestones are celebrated. They also provide employment opportunities for local youth and allow innovators to turn aspirations into reality.
The economic toll from the Palisades Fire and transportation disruptions was substantial. A city-commissioned analysis estimates total economic damage at $40.9 million, with nearly $3.8 million in direct revenue losses—including approximately $986,000 in lost sales tax. At least 13 small businesses shut down permanently due to the crisis. Additionally, displaced households contributed to an estimated $25.32 million drop in consumer spending during the first year, while tourism-related expenditures fell by $11.8 million.
These figures underscore the fragility of economies reliant on local commerce and visitors when confronted with natural disasters. The ripple effects are widespread, making community solidarity more crucial than ever. Malibu has responded with resilience, demonstrating unity through collective action and mutual aid.
Economic revitalization is a cornerstone of the City Council’s 2025 Strategic Plan, which focuses on rebuilding efforts, long-term recovery, and restoring lost income streams. Part of this initiative involves crafting a sustainable economic model to assist local entrepreneurs, with an initial strategy expected early next year. Residents and business owners are encouraged to contribute insights via the Malibu Business Survey: https://tinyurl.com/MalibuBusinessSurvey.
To accelerate recovery, the city has secured $300,000 in microgrants for small enterprises, simplified permitting rules, relaxed signage regulations, and authorized expanded outdoor retail and event spaces to attract customers. Collaborations with organizations such as the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity aim to channel resources and promote local patronage.
A dedicated communication channel, BusinessSupport@MalibuCity.org, allows business operators to directly engage with municipal staff, share updates, request help, or announce openings and events. While institutional support is essential, lasting recovery depends on everyday choices by residents and visitors alike. Choosing to eat at a neighborhood bistro, buy gifts from a boutique, or hire a local contractor all contribute to economic stability.
Despite hardships, Malibu is witnessing a resurgence of entrepreneurial energy. Over 15 new ventures have launched recently, including an optometry clinic, multiple dining spots, fashion retailers, two pilates studios, a home décor store, a surf shop, an indoor golf facility, a real estate agency, a sunglass boutique, a fragrance studio, an architectural practice, a fitness center, and a car detailing service.
Each new venture adds vibrancy, generates employment, and strengthens the social fabric. The city celebrates these additions, welcoming their founders and encouraging public support. On this Small Business Saturday, residents are urged to shop and dine locally, discovering unique holiday presents while helping sustain Malibu’s spirit. Through shared commitment, the community can rebuild stronger and ensure long-term prosperity.
— news from Malibu City website
— News Original —
Shop and Dine Local on Small Business Sat, 11
By Marianne Riggins, Mayor of Malibu
As Mayor, and as a lifelong Malibu resident, I know how important our local small businesses are to the heart and soul of this community. Small Business Saturday, the Saturday following Thanksgiving, is the perfect opportunity to help support Malibu’s recovery.
Our shops, restaurants, art galleries, and professional services are more than just places of commerce. They are gathering places where neighbors connect, friendships are formed, and memories are made. They are where we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, where Malibu kids get their first jobs, and where entrepreneurs make their lifelong dreams come true.
A thriving local business community is also vital to our community’s health; our businesses were severely impacted during the recent fires and extended Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) closures. According to an economic impact study commissioned by the city, the Palisades Fire and PCH closures caused an estimated $40.9 million in economic damage to Malibu, including $3.8 million in direct fiscal revenue losses — such as nearly $986,000 in lost sales tax.
At least 13 local small businesses closed during these devastating events. Household spending losses tied to displaced residents are estimated at $25.32 million for the first year, and visitor spending losses at $11.8 million for the first year. The economic impact report is available at https://malibucity.org/palisadesimpactreport.
These figures show how vulnerable a small business and tourism-driven economy can be when disaster strikes. These impacts are rippling through every corner of our community, and now more than ever, we must come together to support one another. What makes me proud of Malibu is our strength in coming together. We’re more than just a City; we’re a community that shows up, lifts each other up, and works tirelessly to support and grow together.
The City Council has prioritized economic recovery as part of its 2025 Strategic Plan, which includes goals of supporting community rebuilding and long-term recovery along with driving economic recovery and restoring lost revenue. This includes building an economic strategy that promotes long-term support for our businesses; an initial report will be available as soon as the beginning of the year. As part of this effort, we are seeking input from our community on building a strategy. Please take our business survey here: https://tinyurl.com/MalibuBusinessSurvey.
To support our community, the City is aggressively pursuing additional state and federal recovery grants. We have released $300,000 in small business microgrant funds directly to businesses, eased event permitting and sign regulations to give businesses more flexibility, and created opportunities for outdoor sales, special events, and community activities to attract customers. The City has partnered with local agencies such as the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, to bring resources to Malibu and encourage both residents and visitors to support Malibu’s economy.
The City also created a dedicated email inbox at BusinessSupport@MalibuCity.org to give businesses direct access to city staff. We encourage local businesses to use it to share questions, ideas, concerns, requests for assistance, share ribbon cuttings, and events with the City.
But grants, policy change, and programs alone won’t restore our revenue or our vitality, this recovery requires us all to pitch in wherever we can. Every time you dine at a local restaurant, shop at a neighborhood boutique, hire a local professional service, or invite friends to spend the day in Malibu, you help keep our business community thriving and healthy.
Despite the challenges we have endured this past year, Malibu’s indomitable spirit shines through. We are seeing a blossoming of new small businesses opening as we continue to recover. Among more than 15 new businesses that have recently opened in Malibu are an optometrist, several restaurants, clothing boutiques, two pilates studios, a home goods store, a surf shop, an indoor golf range, a real estate office, a sunglasses shop, a perfumery, an architecture firm, a gym, and an auto-detailing shop.
Each business in the community brings fresh energy, creates jobs, and builds the gathering places that make Malibu so special. We are proud to visit these new businesses, welcome them to Malibu, congratulate their entrepreneurs, and promote them to the community.
This Small Business Saturday, show your love for Malibu -shop local, dine local, and find unique holiday gifts to help keep our community vibrant. Together, we can strengthen our local economy, support our neighbors, and help ensure Malibu thrives for generations to come.