Pasadena Community Foundation Reflects on Its Year of Small Business Support in Celebration of Pasadena 626 Day

June 24, 2021

 

Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) joins with the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau in marking this Saturday as Pasadena 626 Day and celebrating the resilience of Pasadena’s diverse business community.

For PCF, Pasadena 626 Day is a day to reflect on the potent support the Foundation has provided small businesses in the last year. Since summer of 2020, PCF has partnered with the City of Pasadena to administer two Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Programs, ultimately awarding more than $832,000 to 98 Pasadena-area business owners. The grants supported numerous minority- and women-owned small businesses, as well as legacy businesses that have operated in Pasadena for several decades.

Several businesses that received one of the 98 Small Business Grants will participate in Pasadena 626 Day, including Mercadito Monarca Pasadena in Playhouse Village. Owner Erica Gutierrez explains that her retail store showcases the culture and traditions of Mexico, as well as her family’s indigenous roots. “We pushed ourselves to have a physical space to gather and to connect, to highlight our cultural roots, and to hold classes, and we would have closed without the Small Business Grant. We were in the beginning stages of our business and the grant strengthened us just when we needed it.” On Saturday, Mercadito Monarca will offer 10% off entire purchase; the store also plans to participate in the 626 Dena Day Market at 2283 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, a festive event that amplifies Black and Brown businesses in the greater Pasadena area.

Another community gathering space, Cervecería Del Pueblo, also credits the Small Business Grant for helping its survival. The owner/operator of the small production brewery and taproom, Martin Quinones, says “the grant helped us purchase ingredients and raw materials to continue the production of our beer and to fulfill the commitment with our landlord by paying rent on time. Most importantly, we were able to maintain staff by using a portion of the grant to cover payroll expenses. These grants helped saved businesses and lives.” The tap room will offer a 15% discount on Saturday.

In August 2020, 39 businesses received grants of $10,000 each of through the grant program that PCF administered. The City once again turned to PCF early this year to administer the 2021 Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant program, which targeted local “microbusinesses” of five or fewer employees and limited household income. Ultimately, 59 businesses were selected, and each received $7,500 in reimbursable funds.

Jennifer DeVoll, PCF President and CEO says, “PCF is so proud to see local businesses, including our grantees, fully reopening. Our work with the City of Pasadena was powerful and made a real difference in the survival of dozens of important and beloved businesses. Pasadena 626 Day is a great reason to turn out on Saturday and express thanks for the strength and resilience our businesses community has shown over the last 15 months.”

About the Pasadena Community Foundation

Founded in 1953, Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) is a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the people of Pasadena. Managing nearly $130 million in charitable assets, PCF works with individuals, families, and organizations to establish philanthropic funds, create and build endowment funds, and distribute charitable gifts to nonprofit organizations.

Media Contact:
Sarah Hilbert
Pasadena Community Foundation
Marketing & Communications Manager
(626) 796-2097 x8
shilbert@pasadenacf.org

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