MIAMI (July 28, 2021) – The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and the South Florida Progress Foundation (SFPF) today announced the launch of a major new initiative, the Surfside Small Business Recovery Fund. Contributions made to the Surfside Small Business Recovery Fund will help Surfside’s small family- owned businesses, independent restaurants, and retail establishments recover from the business operating losses they experienced in the weeks following the tragic Surfside condo collapse that occurred on June 24th.
To kick-start the fund, the Miami Marlins Foundation has already donated $10,000 to help small businesses and encourage donors to support this initiative.
“As the champion for business, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is eager to answer the call to help. The small businesses in Surfside have been severely impacted by this tragedy,” said Alfred Sanchez, president and chief executive officer at Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, who also serves as executive director of SFPF. “These businesses are the backbone of our local economy. They provide essential goods, services, and jobs. After surviving a year of COVID, they get hit with this disaster. And now they need financial support. It can make the difference between staying open or closing forever.”
100 percent of the funds collected will go directly to help Surfside’s small business community recover economic losses incurred from the physical closures of storefronts and roads during the rescue and recovery process. To date, more than 90 small businesses have been affected.
“Our Surfside community continues to recover from this tragedy. While nothing compares to the loss of human life, part of the indirect damage this horrific event has caused is with the local economy in the area,” said Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett. “Throughout this difficult time, many of these businesses have provided food and services at no charge to first responders, families of those affected, and community members. As streets were closed in the area, many of these businesses are struggling to recover, not only from pandemic losses, but from even more unexpected economic hardship as result of the collapse,” stated Burkett.
“It has been heartwarming to see our community come together to help Surfside,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Miami Marlins Foundation Executive Director and Chair of the South Florida Progress Foundation. “The Surfside small business community has also been greatly impacted during this challenging time and needs our assistance. As the hometown team, we are proud to lead off the support for these businesses with our initial contribution.”
For more information and to make a donation to help these small businesses click on the following link: Surfside Small Business Recovery Fund.
