Oceanside CA— MainStreet Oceanside has launched the Oceanside Strong fundraising campaign to establish the Keep It Local Oceanside Microgrant Program for local small businesses affected by COVID-19 closures. MainStreet is asking Oceanside locals and business donors to help our small businesses stay strong until they can reopen their physical doors by making donations or purchasing Oceanside Strong merchandise.
The goal of the Oceanside Strong campaign is to raise $25,000 in financial donations to the campaign’s Oceanside Strong Fund. All donations of $25 or more made on Oceansidestrong.com will receive a free Oceanside Strong face mask created by campaign fundraising partner Whitlock Ink.
Locals can also show their support for our small businesses by purchasing branded T-shirts and hats designed by the Downtown Oceanside screen printer here. Half of profits from merchandise sales will go to the Oceanside Strong Fund and half to Whitlock Ink.

Keep It Local Oceanside Microgrant Program

Required to restrict their operations to minimize the spread of COVID-19, many Oceanside small businesses have had to cut staff as well as close, resulting in drastically reduced revenue. The economic impact of COVID-19 is unprecedented.
According to the results of Main Street America’s recent Small Business Survey of more than 5,800 U.S. small businesses, nearly 7.5 million of the nation’s approximately 30 million small businesses (1 in 4) may be at risk of closing permanently over the coming five months, and 3.5 million (1 in 9) are at risk of closure in the next two months. As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Oceanside and in San Diego County, local businesses need our financial support now more than ever.
The Keep It Local Oceanside Microgrant Program will offer $250-$1,000 microgrants to small businesses to help meet their short-term financial needs and help them survive until they can fully resume their services. The grants are available for Oceanside small businesses and nonprofits meeting the following qualifications:

• Earn less than $200,000 a year in gross revenue
• Have an active City of Oceanside business license
• Have 1-5 employees
• Have a brick-and-mortar business in Oceanside, California

Businesses will be able to apply for the program at Oceansidestrong.com. The application deadline is May 15, 2020. For more information about applying, contact 760-754-4512.
MainStreet Oceanside is managing donations to the Oceanside Strong Fund through its 501(c)3 foundation. Donations are tax-deductible but please make sure to consult with your tax adviser.
MainStreet Oceanside has been Downtown Oceanside’s business association since 2000. Through this new campaign, we are urging Oceanside to support local and keep Oceanside Strong during these trying times. You can also support our businesses by ordering from them online through the following websites: Oceansidetogo.com, ShoplocalOceanside.com and VirtualsunsetMarket.com.

About MainStreet Oceanside

MainStreet Oceanside is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a pedestrian-friendly community with unique and exciting attractions, including both daytime and evening activities, for residents and visitors alike.