As a small business owner, I wanted to rally support for Black-owned small businesses in the Chicagoland area and raise money to help them during COVID-19 and all the civil unrest as Crisis Relief. Yes, there are funding options (mostly loans) out there to try and alleviate the burden on small businesses, BUT they are also geared toward the larger small businesses.

 

What about the Black-owned businesses who can't take a loan because it might not be a viable option for the business right now? This is our time to help and do it TOGETHER!

 

Some of the greatest services we receive and products we know as customers are from a one-person show. So what are they doing now after many of them have had to close their doors? How are they surviving? How are they re-opening? Let's help them.

 

As I thought about this more, I quickly understood how important this is to the livelihood of our small businesses, especially Black-owned businesses! I started with a small goal to help at least 25 businesses and raise money to give directly to them, to use for things like: Inventory Replacement, Equipment, POS Upgrades, Subscriptions, Business Insurance, Stipends for Interns, Broken Glass Windows and so much more.

 

ALL of the donations Goes directly to the businesses!

 

I am thrilled we were able to raise money via Facebook and have awarded over $12,000 in grants.  But there is more to do, please purchase apparel, donate to the fund and share with your networks.

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Stacey Pitts Caldwell, MBA

Owner, SMP Creative Business & Design™