On behalf of everyone at the Fairmount CDC, we want to express our most sincere thanks to our local community and The Merchant's Fund for investing in the Girard Avenue Business Relief Fund. Your contributions helped distribute more than $30,000 in assistance to businesses impacted by the Girard Avenue road closures this fall.
Grant Recipients
Your Impact
"As a family-owned, seasonal small business in its first year of operations, the Girard Avenue track work couldn't have come at a worse time for Over the Moon Ice Cream -- the final warm weeks of fall before what we anticipated would be a quiet winter. We really value our staff, who are all local residents, and committed to keep them on during the winter, even though we'd endured such a difficult fall. The generous contributions we received through the Girard Ave Business Relief Fund will help us meet our payroll obligations, and will help us get by until the warmer months of spring (and ice cream season!) return. We are deeply grateful to each contributor for stepping up to support the small businesses that give our neighborhoods character, provide valuable services, and tie us to one another. Thank you!" -Over the Moon Ice Cream
"I received notification of this grant literally as I was applying for another grant and feeling at my wit's ends with finances for the space. It truly could not have come at a better time. I am beyond grateful and I know the entire Soul Haum team will be extremely grateful for this contribution. Thank you thank you thank you so so so much!" -Soul Haum Yoga
"The funds will go toward general operating expenses. Support from the community means a whole lot. This helps us continue to serve the neighborhood we love being in."
-Crime and Punishment
"We are so incredibly grateful to the Fairmount CDC, GAMBA, and our local community of donors for their financial support during this challenging time for our small business. We recently relocated from our original, 70-year location at 17th & Fairmount to the Poth Building at 31st & Jefferson in Brewerytown. Support for this business expense is extremely valuable as several of our moving expenses were unexpected and challenging to anticipate." -Stone's Beer & Beverage Market
"The Monkey & The Elephant team greatly appreciate the overwhelming amount of generosity from the community members and partners of Brewerytown and Fairmount. It's special to see how powerful our impact can be when we come together to support local small businesses affected by situations outside of our control. The donations from this campaign fund are more than just dollars to us -- they represent the essence of community partnership at its best." -The Monkey & The Elephant
"We will be using this funding for employee payroll. While the surrounding streets have been closed and cut-off access to our clinic, we’ve been keeping our staff on full-time. We appreciate the assistance to our Girard Clinic while we serve our community."
-Girard Veterinary Clinic
"We are so honored and grateful for the generous donation received by the CDC! Le Cat Cafe and Green Street Rescue would not be able to thrive without kind donations like these. We are happy to be part of the community and will continue our mission of saving homeless cats in our community and beyond. Thank you so much for all of your efforts on behalf of the businesses along Girard Avenue. We are very grateful and pleased with this award. Thank you again for all that you do for the community." -Le Cat Cafe
"Thank you to everyone who had a part in picking PFC. We truly need it. With this money, I can put out mailers and advertisement material to drive more business. I sooooo appreciate the Fairmount CDC and the affiliates who considered the needs of the businesses in this community. It was a struggle to maintain stability with payroll, rent and bills and this is truly a Godsent blessing!" -Platinum Fruit Creations
"We are incredibly thankful and moved by the support our community has shown its local businesses. It’s a privilege to open our doors everyday and connect with those who care so much. We can’t wait to continue our commitment to our neighbors for years to come."
-Harper's Ice Cream
"I plan to hire a marketing manager with the funds awarded to drive up traffic, which will then allow us to hold on to staff. Turnover has increased since it has been slower. Thank you for your assistance in helping local businesses recover." -Remedy Spa & Wellness
"This is going straight to rent and phone bill for the salon. My hands are literally shaking because this is the first time I am receiving any assistance of any sort since the pandemic." -Luxx Nail Spa
"This grant means more that the contributors could know. With it, I’ll be able to buy supplies to bring the school back to where it was and help cover payroll for our instructors. It will keep us going and hopefully, growing. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!" -Action Karate
"I will utilize the funds on past due utility bills, electric bill, internet bill and phone bill. The fund will be a great help. Thank you, I’m grateful." -I Scream for Ice Cream
"We will use the funds to catch up on our utilities bills and for payroll. Thank you again, this is a big help." -Asanti Hair Studio