Hurricane Relief
Supporting Small Businesses and Building Community After Hurricanes Helene and Milton
The devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton has had far-reaching impacts on our community, particularly among small businesses that serve as the backbone of our local economy. From the island to the keys, our downtowns, and the surrounding Bradenton and Sarasota area, many small businesses are struggling to recover from the damage and disruption caused by these storms.
As a community, we have a unique opportunity to step up and help these businesses get back on their feet. That's why we're launching an initiative to provide affordable residencies for local entrepreneurs to rebuild and reconnect with the community. By offering indoor and outdoor venues at our Friendly City Foundation programs, Oscura and Friendly City Flea events, we aim to create economic opportunities for these struggling businesses while fostering a sense of place and an environment where art, music, and community resources can thrive.
Our Vision for Recovery
1. No Cost/Affordable Indoor Residencies at Oscura
Throughout the week, small businesses will have access to indoor residencies at Oscura, offering them an affordable way to set up shop, meet with their regular customers, and regain their footing. Many of these entrepreneurs have lost their traditional storefronts or are facing overwhelming financial burdens, and this residency gives them the space they need without the heavy costs typically associated with operating a brick and mortar business.
2. Larger Outdoor Residency Opportunities During Events
During our popular Friendly City Flea events, we’ll provide larger, affordable outdoor residency spaces where local businesses can set up, showcase their products or services, and reach new customers. The Friendly City Flea is a family-friendly art and music market that draws people from all over the Gulf Coast, offering these businesses access to a broad and diverse audience. We will also be opening spaces in line with our Oscura Performing Arts calendar that draws people from all across the country with live original music from local and touring acts.
3. Rebuilding Through Community
Beyond just providing space, our mission is to create an environment where the community comes together to support local arts, music, and small businesses. Our events are designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection among artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs, while also making sure that community resources are accessible to all.
Why This Matters
Small businesses are more than just economic drivers—they are the heart and soul of our community. Many of these businesses were already facing challenges before the hurricanes hit, and now they’re dealing with the added difficulties of repairing their stores, managing supply chain disruptions, and grappling with lost revenue.
For businesses on the islands and in low-lying areas, the hurricanes brought flooding, wind damage, and destruction that will take months or even years to fully recover from. But with your support, we can give these businesses the opportunity to continue operating without the financial burden of paying full costs for space.
How You Can Help
We're seeking donors and partners who believe in the power of community and want to make a direct impact on the recovery of our local economy.
Your donations will go directly towards providing affordable residencies for businesses to operate at Oscura and during Friendly City Flea events, help with our Old Manatee Historic District service industry fund to those displaced from work, and to other non-profits and businesses rebuild after the storm.
With your help, we can:
- Provide Affordable Residency Opportunities for dozens of small businesses that have been impacted by the storms.
- Create Opportunities for businesses to participate in events, markets, and pop-up shops without the financial strain of typical rental fees.
- Support Local Arts and Music by continuing to host events that bring together artists, musicians, and the community to celebrate creativity and resilience.
- Rebuild financial avenues for businesses to get back on their feet.
A Vision of Resilience and Growth
Our initiative is about more than just financial recovery—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient community. By supporting small businesses and making arts, music, and community resources available to all, we are investing in the long-term health and vitality of our region.
When we come together to support local businesses, we not only help them survive in the short term but also contribute to the long-term cultural and economic vibrancy of our community. With your generosity, we can create a space where entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians can thrive, bringing joy, creativity, and opportunity to every corner of Bradenton.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This is where you come in. Your support can help us continue offering affordable residencies and opportunities for businesses to rebuild, while also bringing more art, music, and community-driven events to Bradenton. By donating today, you’re directly contributing to the recovery and growth of our community after the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Let's work together to ensure that no small business is left behind and that our local culture remains vibrant and accessible to everyone. Donate today and be a part of something that brings hope and opportunity to our neighbors most in need in and around the Friendly City.
