Paris Hilton Launches National Recovery Fund for Women-Owned Businesses

Pop culture icon and entrepreneur Paris Hilton has launched the Back in Business Recovery Fund, a nationwide initiative to support women-owned small businesses impacted by disasters. The fund builds upon Hilton’s previous philanthropic efforts following the 2025 Los Angeles fires and aims to address the disproportionate challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing capital and resources.

Expanding Support After LA Fires

Hilton is initially donating $350,000 to kick-start the fund, with a goal of raising at least $1 million by the end of March 2026. The initiative is a partnership between Hilton’s social impact organization, 11:11 Media Impact, and GoFundMe.org, the philanthropic arm of the fundraising platform GoFundMe, which is contributing $100,000 to the launch.

Following the 2025 Los Angeles fires, Hilton and her organizations deployed over $1 million in cash grants to 50 women-owned small businesses, including her own Malibu home being destroyed by the fires. These grants, ranging up to $25,000, helped businesses cover expenses like rent, payroll, and equipment replacement.

Success Stories from the LA Program

The Pasadena Women’s Business Center reported that 90% of the businesses that received grants after the LA fires are still operating one year later. One recipient, Renata Ortega of Orla Floral Studio, used the funds to secure a new studio space and purchase essential equipment after losing her home and business in the blaze. Ortega stated the grant allowed her to not only rebuild but to grow her business, enabling her to retain staff and even plan for new hires. She credited Hilton’s support with giving her the motivation to persevere through the rebuilding process.

Addressing Systemic Challenges

Hilton’s initiative comes as women-owned businesses, which comprise 39% of all businesses in the U.S. according to Wells Fargo, often receive less investment than their male counterparts. Rebecca Grone, director of 11:11 Media Impact, highlighted that women, particularly minority women, are often undercapitalized and face increased recovery burdens, especially when balancing primary caregiving responsibilities.

National Reach and Local Partnerships

The Back in Business Recovery Fund will distribute unrestricted grants, partnering with the 150 local women’s business centers across the U.S. Amanda Brown Lierman, executive director of GoFundMe.org, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in quickly identifying impacted businesses and providing access to a supportive community. Decisions on when to activate the fund will be informed by assessments from the women’s business centers.

The fund aims to not only save businesses but also to preserve jobs, tax revenue, and the overall vitality of communities. Hilton also supported the LA grantees as a customer, showcasing their products at events like the Coachella music festival.

Highlighting Women’s Entrepreneurship

To further amplify the initiative, a YouTube series titled “Back in Business” was released, featuring stories of LA business owners. Hilton and several grantees rang the New York Stock Exchange closing bell on March 9, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day. Hilton expressed that this moment was a source of immense pride, demonstrating the power of women supporting each other.

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