Suburban Unity Alliance Raising Funds For Local Small Businesses

OAK PARK, IL — Local nonprofit Suburban Unity Alliance (SUA) is raising money to support small businesses in Oak Park. Community activist and SUA Founder Anthony Clark encourages Oak Park residents to shop and support local businesses as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact many.

Through a GoFundMe set up on Oct. 29, SUA has been fundraising to award micro grants to local small businesses in need. The $500 micro grants will help support Oak Park small businesses and service workers, according to Clark, as "continued construction in areas of the Oak Park community, Oak Park small businesses and service workers are facing a crisis."

"Social distancing and government-mandated shutdowns are disproportionately affecting small businesses that require foot traffic to survive," Clark voiced on the GoFundMe page. "Whether it's the local breakfast spot, ice cream shop, or shoe store, they are in need. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, over 40% of small businesses surveyed believed they have less than six months until permanent shutdown. "

As of Nov. 30, SUA has raised more than $5,300, and according to Clark, SUA can issue grants to 10 Oak Park small businesses with this money. Clark added that they will issue more grants as donations allow, and asks small business owners who could benefit from a $500 (does not have to be paid back) micro grant, to please message him via Facebook or email him at anthony@suburbanunity.org

Clark is also a candidate for Oak Park village trustee in the April 2021 election.

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Clark added that the Oak Park Chamber of Commerce has provided information and links to provide Covid-19 resources.

As local and state economies slowly emerge from pandemic lockdowns, it's often hard for customers to know the conditions under which local businesses are open. Patch is here to help with our new Local Business Information Center.

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