Hi, John:

In 2020, Congress set aside approximately $800 billion in its CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act for loans to help small businesses keep workers employed amidst the pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.¹ This money was meant to help small businesses survive the worst public health crisis our communities had seen in a generation. Instead, we heard reports that small businesses were struggling to get loans, while dozens of billionaire-owned companies and private equity firms had managed to secure funding.²

We knew we had to act. Color Of Change began hosting virtual dinners across the country, where Black entrepreneurs could come together to build the relationships and power they needed to survive the crisis. We fought for legislation like Representative Pramila Jayapal’s, which sought to provide direct relief and specific protections for our business community.³ And we developed the Black Business Green Book, a directory where you can find Black businesses to patronize, as well as resources to join the fight to get Black entrepreneurs the protections and relief they deserve.

John, this year, we're expanding our Black Business Green Book. Will you help us get there?

When you support the Black Business Green Book you're supporting opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to be found by new patrons as well as other business owners seeking community. You're contributing to the future of Black art, Black culture, Black food and more. And with your donation, you're contributing to a tool that helps us collectively shift our support to Black-owned businesses as we continue the fight to get entrepreneurs and workers the federal protections they’re owed. John, will you join us in this fight to uplift and support Black businesses?

Until justice is real, 

—The Color Of Change Team

References:

1. "CARES Act and Small Businesses,” Berkeley Law, Updated January 14, 2021, https://act.colorofchange.org/go/333976?t=42&akid=52564%2E4731121%2EHnpIBw. 
2. "New PPP Loan Data Reveals Most Of The $525 Billion Given Out Went To Larger Businesses—And A Few With Trump, Kushner Ties,” Forbes, December 02, 2020, https://act.colorofchange.org/go/333977?t=44&akid=52564%2E4731121%2EHnpIBw. 
3. "Jayapal Announces the Paycheck Guarantee Act,” The Office of U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), April 10, 2020, https://act.colorofchange.org/go/333977?t=46&akid=52564%2E4731121%2EHnpIBw.