Help Viva! Vegan Survive COVID19

#SmallBusinessRelief #COVID19BusinessRelief #ShopSmall

Thank you so much for taking the time to look into my campaign!

As you are well aware, we are all struggling to keep things normal and it's no secret how difficult this situation has been for small businesses.  It's been especially difficult for those of us who have just recently started, still in the building process. Like a caterpillar in metamorphosis that was just beginning to grow strong enough to break the cocoon.  COVID19 hit us hard.  As we took our focus away from building the business and put it on staying safe with our families, cash flow ceased and growth was not only paused, but reversed.  

I have been working on opening this storefront for over four years.  Now I am in a position where I have a location (and the costs that come with it!) and I am not ready to call it quits on this dream.  My goal for Viva! Vegan is to re-open in the summer and to be able to pay a livable wage to my employees while providing delicious vegan food to the local community.  While I have applied for the CARES act grant/loan and am looking in to other financial assistance as none of these are guaranteed, I am humbly asking for your help.  

Funds will be used for:  

Equipment costs  - I am unable to continue renting the equipment that we currently have in the store.  Refrigerators, display cases, tables, and shelves will cost me upwards 13k.  I set the goal only at 5k for now just to start the process. If this campaign is successful and I'm unable to get any further assistance elsewhere, I will increase the goal.

Employee salary while we are rebuilding - One thing I have learned is that I can not do this myself. One thing I have decided is that no one should be expected to work for free. If I am going to ask people for their time and assistance, I want to be able to pay them for their time.

Rent/Utilities and other overhead costs - Rent is due no matter what (after restrictions have been lifted!)  And we'll need to keep the lights on and the water flowing even before we re-open to the public! 

Your support means so much to me, I can't even begin to express it properly.  It's not just about me, it's about keeping this cafe in the community, supporting our families, and giving other people the experience of great vegan treats as well as the educational and entertaining events we plan on hosting in the future. Your donation means that you are a part of this dream.  Thank you!