Jackson Anchor Initiative is offering crowdfunding help and funds to businesses in DDA district

JACKSON, MICH. - Local small businesses are the heartbeat of any community. That's why the Jackson Anchor Initiative has created the Small Business Support Fund to assist downtown businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.

The fund, which will be facilitated through Michigan-based Patronicity, will provide crowdfunding expertise and an online platform for area businesses to raise money. The Jackson Anchor Initiative will match funds up to the first $500 that a business raises. This opportunity will run through November 30 or until funds are depleted. The initiative is being promoted in partnership with Jackson’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

“Crowdfunding is an excellent method to generate much-needed cash for Jackson’s small businesses,” said Scott Fleming, the President and CEO of the Jackson Anchor Initiative. “Patronicty will create a Jackson landing page highlighting each participating business. The hope is that these businesses will raise more than $500 with the Jackson Anchor Initiative matching the first $500 each business raises.”

The landing page, https://www.patronicity.com/Ja..., will give downtown businesses a little extra boost during these difficult times and will help ensure the vibrancy of the greater community when the crisis is behind us.

Businesses eligible to participate in the Small Business Support Fund must have a physical address in the DDA district, must have been in operation before April 1, 2020, must be a for-profit business, and be a business that deals with the public, such as a restaurant or a retailer.

Eligible businesses simply need to apply, create a crowdfunding campaign -- which can include unique incentives and coupons for patrons offering their donations -- and spread the word. A coach from Patronicity will work with participating businesses to help them make their campaigns a success.

To participate, businesses must complete the application in the link, https://www.patronicity.com/Ja..., and be approved by the Jackson Anchor and the DDA.

The Anchor Initiative is Jackson Michigan’s private sector effort focused on transforming its downtown; and in doing so, making the entire community a more vibrant and valued place to live, learn, and work.