Paris Hilton Launches Recovery Fund for Women Business Owners After Disasters

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Back in Business Recovery Fund

Paris Hilton, renowned pop culture icon, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment, has taken a significant step to support female small-business owners impacted by natural disasters. On Monday, she announced the launch of the Back in Business Recovery Fund, a philanthropic initiative designed to provide financial assistance and resources to women entrepreneurs nationwide who have faced setbacks due to unforeseen catastrophes.

This new fund is a continuation and expansion of Hilton’s previous efforts following the devastating 2025 Los Angeles fires, which destroyed her Malibu home and affected many local businesses. Hilton personally contributed $350,000 to kickstart the fund, with an ambitious goal of raising at least $1 million by the end of March. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Hilton’s social impact organization, 11:11 Media Impact, and GoFundMe.org, the philanthropic arm of the popular fundraising platform GoFundMe, which has pledged an additional $100,000 toward the fund’s launch.

Why Supporting Women-Owned Businesses Matters

Women-owned businesses play a vital role in the economic and social fabric of communities across the United States. According to Wells Fargo, there are approximately 14.5 million women-owned businesses in the country, representing nearly 39% of all businesses. Despite their significant presence, women entrepreneurs—especially minority women—often face challenges in securing venture capital and loans, making them some of the most undercapitalized and underresourced business owners.

Paris Hilton emphasized the importance of these businesses, stating, “Women-owned businesses are really the heart of so many of these communities. I want to be able to lift up and support them, shine a light on them and really make a difference in their lives.” The fund aims to provide unrestricted grants that allow women to cover essential costs such as rent, payroll, equipment replacement, and rebuilding efforts after disasters.

Real Stories of Resilience and Recovery

The inspiration for the Back in Business Recovery Fund comes from Hilton’s direct experience with disaster recovery and her interactions with women entrepreneurs affected by the 2025 Los Angeles fires. After the fires destroyed her Malibu home, Hilton and her partners distributed over $1 million in cash grants to 50 women-owned small businesses in the affected areas.

One such beneficiary is Renata Ortega, owner of Orla Floral Studio in Altadena. Ortega’s floral design business was severely impacted when the Eaton fire destroyed her home and studio. “Nothing prepares you for that amount of loss,” she shared. The grant she received helped her secure a new studio space and purchase vital equipment like a floral cooler, enabling her to keep her staff employed and even consider expanding her team. Ortega credits the grant not only for the financial support but also for the motivational boost it provided during a challenging time.

Hilton’s continued support extended beyond financial aid; she actively promoted these businesses by purchasing their products and services, helping them gain visibility and new customers. This hands-on approach inspired Hilton to scale the initiative nationally, recognizing the broader need for such support across the country.

How the Fund Works and Its Broader Impact

The Back in Business Recovery Fund operates by partnering with over 150 local women’s business centers throughout the United States. These centers play a crucial role in identifying women entrepreneurs affected by disasters and providing them with not only financial assistance but also mentorship and technical support. This community-based approach ensures that the aid reaches those who need it most and fosters a network of support among women business owners facing similar challenges.

Amanda Brown Lierman, executive director of GoFundMe.org, highlighted the importance of these partnerships: “Collaborating with the centers helps us identify impacted women quickly and opens up access not just to cash, but to a community of business owners facing similar challenges. It’s really key to the success.”

The fund’s impact extends beyond individual businesses. By helping women entrepreneurs rebuild, the initiative supports job preservation, maintains local tax revenue, and preserves the cultural and social fabric of communities. Rebecca Grone, director of 11:11 Media Impact, noted, “You don’t want to come back if the community isn’t thriving, so as folks are rebuilding their homes, the things that are familiar and make a community feel like home are equally as crucial.”

Looking Ahead: Inspiring Change and Growth

To raise awareness and inspire further donations, a YouTube series titled “Back in Business” was released, showcasing the stories of women business owners who have benefited from the fund. Hilton hopes this series will motivate others to contribute and support women entrepreneurs nationwide.

In a symbolic gesture celebrating International Women’s Day, several of the Los Angeles grantees, including Renata Ortega, joined Paris Hilton to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Hilton described this moment as one of her proudest, highlighting “the power of women when they come together.”

Conclusion

Paris Hilton’s Back in Business Recovery Fund is a powerful example of how targeted philanthropy can make a tangible difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs affected by disasters. By providing crucial financial support, mentorship, and community connections, the fund helps women rebuild their businesses and communities stronger than before. If you want to support this inspiring initiative and help women business owners recover and thrive, consider donating to the Back in Business Recovery Fund today. Together, we can empower women entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and continue making a lasting impact in their communities.