Capital Access helps businesses affected by North Bay wildfires get back on their feet
Just a little over a year ago, Sonoma, Napa, Lake, and Mendocino counties suffered a devastating series of tragedies when wildfires swept through the community, levelling homes, businesses, and entire neighborhoods. Capital Access has been supporting small businesses in the area for more than 35 years, so we knew we had to do something to help. Our Board of Directors subsequently approved $30K in grants to assist in fire recovery efforts for small businesses in the region, to be distributed through Rotary District 5130 and the Redwood Credit Union Community Fund.
This week, the Rotary club shared a report about how funds from the Business Grant Recovery Program were distributed. All in all, the club provided grants to 274 businesses, for a total of nearly $830,000. Here are just a few of their stories:
- George Fiori received a grant to support a new marketing strategy for his restaurant, Fiori’s Buns and Burgers.
- Cary Sauls, owner of Sauls Acousticals, replaced tools and rebuilt his acoustical contracting business.
- Michelle Sheridan received a check to replace equipment for her family’s home-based BBQ catering business.
- John and Gesine Franchetti, owners of Franchetti’s Wood Fire Kitchen, used their funds implement a new marketing plan for their restaurant and catering business.
“We were so proud to partner with Rotary District 5130 and the Redwood Credit Union Community Fund to do our small part in helping to provide small business owners with the hope and support they needed to get back on their feet,” said Jacklyn Jordan, President and CEO, Capital Access Group.