LA County Sets Up Office-Share Site for Fire-Impacted Firms

Businesses burned out of their offices during this month’s firestorms across Los Angeles County could probably use some room for a desk.

That’s why Los Angeles County launched a business-to-business office-share site similar to Airbnb that can match those needing a workplace with a business with extra office space to share, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

Businesses with offices to share can post listings for the location, capacity and dates and times available.

Displaced businesses can browse through the listings online to find a space that meets their needs.

Los Angeles County officials said they’ve heard from business people whose dental office or hair salon, for example, burned in the fires. And they need space to continue operating, at least for a time.

The Palisades fire burned through the area’s Downtown business district.

“Together we are fostering a more resilient and adaptable economic ecosystem where businesses can open their doors to other businesses as we recover together,” Kelly LoBianco, director of the county’s Department of Economic Opportunity, said in a statement.

The idea was hatched by Whittier Mayor Pro Tem Cathy Warner, who has a periodontal practice in East Whittier with her husband. Because they only see patients three days a week, the dental office is available the other four days to other periodontists displaced by the fires.

“This new website is inspired by the generosity of small business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals across the county who are looking for ways to step up and help,” Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn, who helped start the new site, told the Daily News.

“If you have space, this is how you can help.”

The county has also set up a relief fund for small businesses and workers in those businesses.

— Dana Bartholomew