Paris Hilton Launches Back in Business Recovery Fund for Women Entrepreneurs

Paris Hilton has initiated the Back in Business Recovery Fund, aimed at supporting female small-business owners affected by disasters. This initiative follows her previous philanthropic efforts after the devastating Los Angeles fires, which destroyed her own Malibu home. Hilton is personally contributing $350,000 to launch the fund, with a target of raising at least $1 million by the end of March. She emphasized the importance of women-owned businesses, stating, "Women-owned businesses are really the heart of so many of these communities."

The Independent

The fund is a collaboration between Hilton's social impact organization, 11:11 Media Impact, and GoFundMe.org, which will contribute $100,000 to the fund's launch. The initiative builds on a prior program that distributed over $1 million in cash grants to 50 women-owned businesses impacted by the Eaton fire in Altadena, California.

The Independent

The previous grants, which provided up to $25,000 each, were crucial for businesses such as Orla Floral Studio, owned by Renata Ortega. Ortega faced significant challenges after losing her home and studio in the fires. She noted, "Nothing prepares you for that amount of loss," but credited the grant with enabling her to secure a new studio space and purchase essential equipment. Today, her business is thriving, and she plans to expand her staff, attributing her success to the financial support received.

The Independent

Hilton's involvement extends beyond monetary contributions; she actively supports grantees by purchasing their products and services, fostering a sense of community and encouragement among women entrepreneurs.

The Independent

The Back in Business Recovery Fund will distribute unrestricted grants in partnership with approximately 150 local women’s business centers across the United States. This collaboration aims to quickly identify women in need and provide not only financial assistance but also a supportive network of fellow business owners. Amanda Brown Lierman, executive director of GoFundMe.org, highlighted the importance of community support in ensuring the success of the initiative.

The Independent

Rebecca Grone, director of 11:11 Media Impact, pointed out that women, particularly minority women, often receive less investment than their male counterparts. This fund aims to address that disparity, as women-owned businesses represent 39 percent of all businesses in the U.S. but face significant challenges in accessing capital.

The Independent

Hilton expressed her desire to "lift up and support" women entrepreneurs, aiming to make a meaningful difference in their lives. The fund's activation will be informed by assessments from local business centers, ensuring that the support is timely and effective.

The Independent

In conjunction with the fund's launch, a YouTube series titled "Back in Business" will showcase the stories of LA business owners, further inspiring community support. Hilton, alongside several grantees, will also participate in ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell on International Women's Day, marking a significant moment for the initiative.

The Independent

• "Women-owned businesses are really the heart of so many of these communities." — Paris Hilton, Entrepreneur

The Independent

• "Nothing prepares you for that amount of loss." — Renata Ortega, Owner of Orla Floral Studio

The Independent

• "It directly went into getting us back into business, but actually back and better than ever." — Renata Ortega

The Independent

• "I want to be able to lift up and support them [women-owned businesses], shine a light on them and really make a difference in their lives." — Paris Hilton

The Independent

• "It’s really key to the success." — Amanda Brown Lierman, Executive Director of GoFundMe.org

The Independent

The Back in Business Recovery Fund represents a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs and revitalizing communities affected by disasters.

The Independent