Fast Forward Fund - Gordon Square Business Relief
Tax deductible
Gordon Square businesses need your help, and your donation will be doubled!
The Gordon Square Arts District is a vibrant, walkable and diverse area with premier arts institutions, unique shopping, and fantastic dining options. But Gordon Square is not immune to the effects of COVID-19 — and we have already seen some beloved businesses close.
Anonymous, local donors have generously offered to match donations up to $50,000 for this Fast Forward Fund to support businesses located in the Gordon Square area. At least 10% of all donations will be granted to new minority-owned businesses looking to fill storefront vacancies in or near Gordon Square. The remainder of the funds will support existing small businesses and non-profits, with prioritization for minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
We encourage everyone who belongs to or enjoys this community to give what they can and help us reach $100,000. The more we raise, the more businesses we will be able to assist!
In the last decade, public and private partners have made significant investments that transformed the Gordon Square Arts District. Now, due to the effects of COVID-19, businesses in Gordon Square are suffering from losses in revenues and limited customers while their costs have stayed the same. Businesses have applied for relief from the federal and local government, but many gaps remain. Businesses need assistance from the community if we want to see them through the COVID-19 crisis.
Storefront businesses may apply for grants between $500 and $5,000 on a rolling basis at www.dscdo.org/gsfund while fundraising continues.
Refresh Collective is using all their creativity bring their youth-centric non-profit programming online this summer. "COVID-19 has cut our small non-profit's budget by 33%. The youth we serve have an even greater need for the mental health benefits that come from our unique hip-hop songwriting programs." - Dee Jay Doc, Founder of Refresh Collective
Forest City Yoga opened in January 2020, just getting their footing as the COVID-19 crisis disrupted their business. The neighborhood has been asking for a yoga studio for years, and the women who own Forest City Yoga decided to fill that need. "A grant for us would mean we can reopen with confidence in our decreased class sizes, knowing that we can pay our bills while being responsible to the community. " - Izzie, Owner of Forest City Yoga
COVID-19 forced Oceanne to close its doors, furlough their team, and cancel all their scheduled workshops. Oceanne has steadily established itself as a Cleveland anchor, starting on the market scene and recently expanding into a second storefront. COVID-19 pushed Oceanne to pivot creatively. They started selling jewelry kits for people to purchase as an at-home activity while the shop was closed. "A grant would mean the possibility to rehire my staff, create a new collection to help us create revenue, and get ready for the holiday season." - Anne Harrill, Owner of Oceanne
To receive a tax deduction letter, contact Jazzmin Hardman at [email redacted] or [phone redacted] x261.
The Gordon Square Arts District is a vibrant, walkable and diverse area with premier arts institutions, unique shopping, and fantastic dining options. But Gordon Square is not immune to the effects of COVID-19 — and we have already seen some beloved businesses close.
Anonymous, local donors have generously offered to match donations up to $50,000 for this Fast Forward Fund to support businesses located in the Gordon Square area. At least 10% of all donations will be granted to new minority-owned businesses looking to fill storefront vacancies in or near Gordon Square. The remainder of the funds will support existing small businesses and non-profits, with prioritization for minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
We encourage everyone who belongs to or enjoys this community to give what they can and help us reach $100,000. The more we raise, the more businesses we will be able to assist!
In the last decade, public and private partners have made significant investments that transformed the Gordon Square Arts District. Now, due to the effects of COVID-19, businesses in Gordon Square are suffering from losses in revenues and limited customers while their costs have stayed the same. Businesses have applied for relief from the federal and local government, but many gaps remain. Businesses need assistance from the community if we want to see them through the COVID-19 crisis.
Storefront businesses may apply for grants between $500 and $5,000 on a rolling basis at www.dscdo.org/gsfund while fundraising continues.
Refresh Collective is using all their creativity bring their youth-centric non-profit programming online this summer. "COVID-19 has cut our small non-profit's budget by 33%. The youth we serve have an even greater need for the mental health benefits that come from our unique hip-hop songwriting programs." - Dee Jay Doc, Founder of Refresh Collective
Forest City Yoga opened in January 2020, just getting their footing as the COVID-19 crisis disrupted their business. The neighborhood has been asking for a yoga studio for years, and the women who own Forest City Yoga decided to fill that need. "A grant for us would mean we can reopen with confidence in our decreased class sizes, knowing that we can pay our bills while being responsible to the community. " - Izzie, Owner of Forest City Yoga
COVID-19 forced Oceanne to close its doors, furlough their team, and cancel all their scheduled workshops. Oceanne has steadily established itself as a Cleveland anchor, starting on the market scene and recently expanding into a second storefront. COVID-19 pushed Oceanne to pivot creatively. They started selling jewelry kits for people to purchase as an at-home activity while the shop was closed. "A grant would mean the possibility to rehire my staff, create a new collection to help us create revenue, and get ready for the holiday season." - Anne Harrill, Owner of Oceanne
To receive a tax deduction letter, contact Jazzmin Hardman at [email redacted] or [phone redacted] x261.
Fundraising team (3)
Jessica Trivisonno
Organizer
Cleveland, OH
Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization
Beneficiary
Jazzmin Hardman
Team member
Joshua Jones
Team member