COVID Recovery & Resiliency Initiative

In March 2020, COVID-related shutdowns began to have an immediate and devastating effect on the economy of South St. Petersburg, the 25-square mile area where 80% of St. Petersburg’s black population resides.

Because of the unique composition of the city’s African American workforce and business community, the COVID crisis has the very real potential of catastrophic economic losses for South St. Petersburg.

In response, the One Community partner network created #InThisTogether – a comprehensive system of support for entrepreneurs whose businesses have been decimated by the shutdown. Through microgrant programs, new contract connections, free tools and technology and one-to-one help lines, our partners aim to help 150+ businesses to not only survive this crisis period, but become stronger by working together. Click here to read a summary of the #InThisTogether initiative.

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If you can support our efforts during this critical time, please reach Gypsy Gallardo, CEO, The 2020 Plan & One Community Plan. To contribute online, please give to The 2020 Fund at Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. 

If you are a business owner who needs help, reach any of our dedicated team members for 1-to-1 Help & Resource Access (By Telephone, Zoom or Social Media)

  • For Help Navigating Business Loan & Support Programs – Tahisia Scantling
  • Legal Help – Attorney Tamara Felton
  • Securing COVID Marketing Opportunities (Contracts) with Corporate or Gov’t Procurement Programs – Elizabeth Siplin
  • Filing Taxes, Preparing Financing Statements or Other Finance-Related Help – Lisa Kirkland

List of COVID Business Recovery Supports

One Community partners have created a layered support system for businesses struggling through the crisis. Click here for details.