Thanks to the outpouring of support for the Heart of Jtown Resiliency Fund we were able surpass our fundraising goal of $500,000.00.
Monies raised went towards providing 80 Japantown small businesses with a grant of $5000, purchasing PPE supplies (masks, hand sanitizers, sneeze guards), funding to support Super Mira’s exterior mural and the Heart of Jtown Mural project.
Support from the San Francisco Japantown Foundation
Purchasing of additional PPE supplies, staff time to assist small businesses submit grant applications, and partial assistance for Shared Spaces build out and Buchanan Mall/Osaka Way Bistro Lights were made possible by a grant from the San Francisco Japantown Foundation.
Since the COVID-19 shelter in place order took effect we’ve all had to face hard realities and challenges in such a short period of time.
As one of the only four remaining Japantowns in the United States, San Francisco Japantown has served as the cultural hub of the Japanese American community in San Francisco since 1906. Our small businesses play an integral part of what makes up the cultural character and vibrancy that draws us to this special place. It’s a destination point for many visitors and a place where locals come to shop and dine.
Our small businesses are suffering during the COV-19 pandemic. Restaurants and retail that rely on foot traffic can only do marginal business. Most are family-run businesses -- many are immigrant families, struggling to pay their employees, cover their rent and pay their bills to support their basic needs.
Japantown small businesses are in danger of disappearing from the intricate diverse fabric of San Francisco and they need your help today. The Japantown Community Benefit District (JCBD) started the Heart of Jtown fundraising campaign on May 26th to solicit donations that will go directly to support our small business in these areas:
Employee wages
Assistance with rent and referral to services (i.e. loan application assistance, grant programs, etc.)
Purchase of PPE supplies and other efforts to assist small businesses
These funds will be distributed to small businesses, specifically storefronts and restaurants though an application process. We will not be focusing on corporations and franchises for this grant. JCBD Board members who have business interests and who may be applying for the Fund will not serve on any committees reviewing applications or disbursing awards.
Grant application process began in July. We received approximately 80 applications. Applicants were notified on Wednesday, September 9th of their awards.
Portion of the funds raised have gone into much needed PPE supplies, assistance in Kinokuniya Building’s Shared Space area, tent activation for Restaurants at the Plaza, Murals, and Buchanan Mall Bistro Lights.
