Texas Black Expo & Rushion McDonald Partner to Raise $100,000 in Emergency Micro-funding Relief for Small Businesses Affected by Hurricane Harvey

August 31, 2017May 9, 2020 News Room

HOUSTON, Aug. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The devastating impact that Hurricane Harvey has recently had on Houston, Texas and surrounding cities has resulted in unprecedented losses for many. Unfortunately, those suffering losses also include thousands of small businesses whose operations have been shut down by the storm and who have endured the unexpected losses of real estate, equipment, inventory and revenue.

In response to this tragedy, the Texas Black Expo, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, in partnership with Emmy^® Award-winning producer, entrepreneur, and Houston native Rushion McDonald (“Steve Harvey,” “Family Feud,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” the Neighborhood Awards, etc.), have joined forces to raise emergency micro-funding for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the affected regions that have experienced storm-related losses. Eligible applicants will receive a one-time grant of $1,000within 48 business hours of application approval. These grants can be used for the replacement of office supplies, office furniture, or office equipment, as well as for office clean-up and minor remodeling projects.

According to Texas Black Expo President & Founder Jerome Love, the impetus for the idea came as a result of the realization that among the many relief efforts that are taking place to help the city recover, small businesses would also require a substantial amount of assistance to rebound from the losses they have incurred as a result of the storm. “One of the key focuses of the Texas Black Expo is strengthening businesses. We realize that strong businesses are the cornerstone of strong communities, so it is imperative that we do all we can to help small businesses recover so that our communities can come back stronger than ever,” Love explained. This mission resounded with Rushion McDonald, who has been nationally recognized as a pioneer in supporting small business development for decades. He explains, “For the past 20 years, I have celebrated the uplifting and growth of small businesses in this country. It is the reason I launched Money Making Conversations, a show that empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses. This show can be heard via iHeartRadio Podcast and KYND Radio. Partnering with Texas Black Expo to raise funds for hurricane-damaged small businesses is an opportunity to continue my small business support.”

The organizers are seeking to establish a fund of $100,000 to assist these small businesses, which are so vital to our communities and economy, in their recovery after the devastating losses they have suffered as a result of this historical event. Please donate today towards this relief fund by visiting www.texasblackexpo.com and clicking on the Hurricane Harvey banner. Thank you in advance for your support.

The Texas Black Expo, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to improving the quality of life within minority communities by strengthening businesses, inspiring youth, and building better lives. For more information about the Texas Black Expo, visit www.texasblackexpo.com.

How to Apply for Emergency Micro-funding Relief for Small Businesses Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey Small Business Relief Application Process:

1. Visit www.texasblackexpo.com
2. Click on the Hurricane Harvey Relief banner to download the application.
3. Complete application.
4. Send completed application to one of the following:

FAX 832-615-3065 OR
EMAIL info@texasblackexpo.com

5. Applicants will receive notification that the application has been received.
6. 50 applications will be reviewed per day (on a first-come, first-served basis). All approved applicants will be notified via e-mail.
7. Funds will be available for pick-up within 48 business hours of application approval.

Note: Awarding of relief grants will be contingent upon the availability of resources remaining in the funding pool at the time the application is received. All relief grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.