The San Diego Foundation reported that the COVID-19 Community Response Fund is being augmented with $300,000 for Black, Latinx and Asian businesses that are struggling due to lockdown orders. | Unsplash
The San Diego Foundation reported that the COVID-19 Community Response Fund is being augmented with $300,000 for Black, Latinx and Asian businesses that are struggling due to lockdown orders. | Unsplash
The San Diego Foundation reported that the COVID-19 Community Response Fund is being augmented with $300,000 for Black, Latinx and Asian businesses that are struggling due to lockdown orders.
The San Diego Foundation announced the grants at their virtual press conference, which was held with the San Diego Foundation, the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, Local Initiatives Support Corporation and Asian Business Association of San Diego.
Lower-income communities have suffered disproportionately in the wake of the pandemic and minority groups have been in the midst of those lower-income areas.
The San Diego Foundation is distributing $100,000 each to the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, Local Initiatives Support Corporation and Asian Business Association of San Diego.
Business owners from the three minority groups are welcome to apply for funding from the grants when they go live online.
“From the very beginning of the pandemic, addressing inequity has been a central focus for the COVID-19 Community Response Fund,” Mark Stuart, president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation, said. “This grant funding will infuse our Black, Latinx and Asian small business community with much-needed financial support at a critical moment.”
Donna DeBarry, president and CEO of the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, said that the underrepresented businesses are struggling especially during this time and as such they merit extra attention.
“This charitable support will get money into the hands of our historically-disadvantaged businesses to help them keep the lights on, pay rent and remain in operation,” DeBarry said.
President and CEO of the Asian Business Association of San Diego, Jason Paguio, believes that this funding will prove helpful for many small companies.
“By prioritizing equity with these grant dollars, we can ensure that many of our Black, Latinx and Asian mom and pop businesses stay open, keep employees on payroll, and have access to critical resources,” Paguio said.
The COVID-19 Community Response Fund has delivered over $55 million in grants to their partners.
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