Dear Sponsor:
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC). Through your persistent partnership, the OAACC continues to deliver on its mission to strengthen Oakland’s Black business ecosystem, via elevating opportunities for grants and capital, providing technical assistance, hosting capacity-building workshops, facilitating informational sessions, and more. Representing over 500 Black businesses in Oakland, the OAACC prides itself on being a staunch advocate for its members, who have entrusted us to serve as their unified voice.
It is in this unique and capable capacity, that we have launched the Resiliency Relief Fund (RRF) 2.0. As a trusted community partner, we graciously invite you to join us in our effort to help save Oakland’s remaining Black businesses from closure.
In 2020, the OAACC established the first iteration of the Resiliency Relief Fund as a lifeline to local Black-owned businesses, struggling to stay in operation at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as the government and private funders sought to provide relief, many Black entrepreneurs were unable to receive adequate support due to systemic racism, structural barriers, and an overall lack of knowledge. Recognizing that the pandemic was disproportionately impacting Black businesses, the OAACC stepped up to the plate and raised $1.1 million in relief funds. Through the generosity of RRF donors, we were able to provide over 200 grants to Black businesses in Oakland ranging from $2,500 – $15,000. Enclosed is a report with additional details of the impact of our first RRF.
While this initial aid helped many entrepreneurs keep their doors open, the post-pandemic crime surge in Oakland has put an additional burden on businesses still in recovery. Many OAACC businesses have reported an unbearable loss in revenue, due to unregulated theft and increased security concerns for their staff and customers. To add insult to injury, the residual impact of this loss of revenue is increased difficulty in receiving lines of credit, loans, and affordable insurance policies.
With so many of our favorite restaurants, clothing stores, and professional service companies in survival mode, we must ACT NOW before we see another historical wave of Black business closures in Oakland.
Via RRF 2.0, the OAACC plans to aid Oakland’s black-owned businesses by:
- Procuring, installing, and maintaining surveillance cameras.
- Reimbursing crime-related expenses (stolen property, vandalism, vehicle damage).
- Hiring additional staff members and other key personnel
- Providing marketing and outreach materials to incentivize customers to return.
- Building out their e-commerce platforms to increase revenue.
If just ten firms make a six-figure contribution to RRF 2.0, we will reach our $1 million goal and save dozens of Black-owned businesses. Time is of the utmost essence, so we strongly encourage donors to fill out the attached contribution form as soon as possible.
With Oakland Love,
Cathy D. Adams
President and CEO
Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce
We are grateful to you for supporting us as we support our businesses! Choose your donor level. Then, either print out the form and mail it in with your check or, click the PayPal link and choose “other” to donate.
