City fundraising effort to help businesses hurt by virus
Crowdfunding campaign has $10K goal; Oakland County, DDA to match donations
Madison Heights is working to help small businesses suffering financial hardships from the COVID-19 crisis.
The city has mounted a crowdfunding campaign – Stand with Small Business, Madison Heights! – and is urging the community to support merchants hit hardest by the pandemic.
Mayor Brian Hartwell in a video for the effort said there are nearly 2,000 businesses in the city.
“Some will struggle and some will fail,” he said. “But now local businesses need our help.”
The goal is to collect $10,000 in donations. The amount will then be matched with funds from Oakland County and the city’s Downtown Development Authority.
“As we navigate the challenges and disruptions brought upon by COVID-19 in Madison Heights, the economic health of our city remains a top priority,” Hartwell said in a news release. “Our small businesses are enduring an unprecedented battle to remain viable, so the support of the community will be critical.”
City officials are also asking residents to spread word of the fundraising effort on social media.
All of the money donated will go to aid small businesses such as salons, restaurants and stores that employ 30 or fewer workers.
The funds will be used to help business owners cover rent, employee wages, utility costs and other bills.
Local businesses in Madison Heights are active in supporting the community and events in the city, said City Manager Melissa Marsh in a statement.
“Local businesses are owned by our neighbors, classmates and friends, and are part of our extended family in Madison Heights,” she said. “By supporting each other in these tough times, we can show the true spirit of our community.”
Donations can be made online at the madison-heights. org/small business website or mailed to Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, 303 E. Street, Apt. 12, Rochester MI, 48303-0431, ATTN: Madison Heights Patronicity.
Businesses that want to apply for grant funds can should do so online at madison-heights. org/small business through the Small Business Grant Application link.
Updates on the city’s COVID business community comeback
campaign can be found through May at madisonheights.org or the City of Madison Heights Facebook page.