Tropical - Bridge to Paradise Business Launch

Tropical Since 98  spinoff - Bridge to Paradise Venue Booking Agency Launch

#SmallBusinessRelief

As you know small businesses are hit hard by the outbreak of Covid-19, and entertainment companies are some of the hardest hit.  By mid-March I lost my dj income and revenue from my new venue booking business halted. I'm thankful to have a home, my health, and loving family.

I know most everyone is hurting now so had no plans to start a Go Fund Me until yesterday when I read about a matching program for small businesses affected by Covid-19. If we raise $500 or more then $500 will be matched for qualifying small businesses.   I have set my goal at just $500 hoping to see it double.

I am not just looking for handouts. I have some merchandise - Tropical 18-Year and Tropical Maui T-shirts, Tropical Maui Zero Waste Cutlery sets.  For donors of $30 or more I'll be happy to mail on request a t-shirt or cutlery set from what sizes and stock I have :). I'm also available for bio writing, music business building, event consulting etc during this time.  Just send me a message!  Please note I will wait on mailing of Tropical items until it's ok to ship non-essentials again

Who we are:  Tropical Since 98 has for 21 years provided underground dance music events and multi-day experiences in California, Oregon Washington and Hawaii.

In 2020 we have transitioned from actively organizing events to supporting other events.  One of the most exciting projects is the launch of our spinoff, Bridge to Paradise Venue Booking Agency.

Specializing in West Coast outdoor festival and retreat venues, and indoor warehouse locations I seek to connect reasonable owners of suitable party locations with the most professional promoters in underground dance music .  It's a niche market I have a unique skill set for, and building this business is the wisest use of my energy right now. 

Rather than look at this time as a set back, I choose to see where there is opportunity.   Now is not a good time to contract events, but it is an excellent time to set the business up properly so I will be working hard to finish the business plan, mission and vision statements, etc.  With that in place it's a also a great time for me to approach venues who want to get their business started as soon as they can. When it becomes safe to have events again I need to be ready with a professional presence because there will be a lot of interest right away.

What the funds will be used for:

Money raised from this campaign will be used for business essentials I can't do on my own -  logo design, business cards, and a web site.  Anything extra above goal will go to additional graphics and content, and funding travel for location scouting once that becomes possible.

Supporting my business will allow me to provide expanded venue options to the event producers who work so hard to make the events we love to go to in normal times.  Whether you are an event producer, fan of Tropical, or personal friend please consider a small donation and a share.

If you are a fellow small business owner participating in the program let me know and I will support yours too.

There is a guide here the Go Fund Me matching funds program here:

https://www.gofundme.com/c/small-business-relief-initiative-and-fund-faqs

For other tips on grant programs and loans for small businesses, please check this week's Modern Dj Musings (MDJM) column: https://www.facebook.com/benannandmusic/posts/10157883553111539

Much love,


Ben Annand, CEO, Tropical Since 98, LLC