In collaboration with GoFundMe.org and the Pasadena Women’s Business Centre, Paris Hilton founded a nonprofit organisation that has started awarding more than $1 million in grants to women-owned small businesses affected by the Eaton Fire.
It was initially anticipated that the grant initiative, which was started in February through Hilton’s 11:11 Media Impact organisation, would award $25,000 awards to roughly a dozen women-owned businesses. However, the reality TV and social media star claims that “an outpouring of powerful applications” along with extra financing from GoFundMe.org culminated in the program’s expansion to 50 honourees, each of whom received up to $25,000.
“From childcare centers and neighborhood restaurants to florists, fitness studios and boutiques, these women are rebuilding what matters most — with strength, vision and heart,” Hilton wrote on social media. “I personally read every application, and I just want every single one of these women to know: I see you, I believe in you and I’m so honored to support your journey.” She also added, “Let’s keep showing up for women entrepreneurs — because when women thrive, we all thrive.”
The Pasadena Women’s Business Centre at Pasadena City College received a $25,000 donation as part of the grant program “to provide technical assistance and expert guidance, equating to approximately 300 hours of business coaching and free advising, to over 100 businesses.”
The center’s director, Lizzy Okoro Davidson, stated, “When small businesses thrive, our entire community benefits. At the Pasadena Women’s Business Center, our mission is to ensure that every entrepreneur who dares to chase their dream has the opportunity to succeed. We’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the fires, but we’ve also seen resilience, hope, and determination. Partnering with Paris Hilton and 11:11 Media, alongside GoFundMe.org, allows us to turn that resilience into real recovery — ensuring that small businesses not only rebuild but continue to grow and win.”
