I’m Fundraising for CIELO’s Community Support Fund
This year, I’m proud to be part of a friendly competition at CIELO!
Our departments are teaming up to see who can raise the most funds and reach the most donors during The Future is Working Giving Day. But at the end of the day, the real winners will be the small business owners in our community who receive the support they need.
Right now, many immigrant entrepreneurs across Orange County and Los Angeles are experiencing financial insecurity, fear, and isolation. Through a recent survey of 118 entrepreneurs in our community, we learned that 85% report their businesses are being directly impacted by the current economic and policy environment.
Through this fund, we have already deployed over $85,000 in support, including:
• Emergency grants for rent, utilities, and basic needs
• Flexible funding to stabilize businesses
• Laptops and equipment for entrepreneurs who need technology to operate
But the need is still greater than our current capacity.
For The Future is Working Giving Day, we are working together to raise $20,000 to fund our next round of Community Support, and the first $5,000 will be matched, doubling the impact of every gift.
That’s why I’m asking for your help.
Your donation, of any amount, will go directly toward helping small business owners stabilize their businesses and support their families during a challenging time.
If you’re able to contribute, thank you for standing with entrepreneurs and being part of this community effort.
And if you can’t donate today, sharing this page with your network can make a huge difference too.
Together, we can make sure small business owners don’t have to navigate this moment alone.
Our Community Is Facing a Critical Moment
Across Orange County and Los Angeles, entrepreneurs are navigating an increasingly difficult environment marked by financial insecurity, fear, and isolation. Many of the small business owners who power our local economy are facing challenges beyond their control , from declining income and canceled work opportunities to barriers accessing traditional financial relief.
In August 2025, CIELO surveyed 118 entrepreneurs in our community to better understand what they are experiencing. The results were alarming.
85% reported that their businesses are being directly impacted.
Entrepreneurs shared that they are experiencing:
• Loss of household income
• Interrupted business operations
• Housing and rent instability
• Emotional and mental health strain
• Increased caregiving responsibilities
For many families, the most urgent needs are basic necessities:
• 60% need support paying rent or housing costs
• 36% need help covering utilities
• 30% need assistance with food and basic essentials
On the business side, the most urgent needs include:
• Emergency funding or grants
• Marketing and outreach support
• Technology and equipment to keep operating
These numbers represent real people, entrepreneurs who are working tirelessly to support their families and communities.
One business owner shared:
"Our income has decreased by almost 50%, and we have faced financial and food difficulties."
Another shared:
"My emotional health has been very affected… being isolated and afraid to go out and work."
These stories are not isolated; they reflect a widespread crisis impacting the small business community.
For The Future is Working Giving Day, we are raising:
$20,000 to fund the next round of Community Support.
Thanks to a generous donor, the first $5,000 will be matched, doubling the impact of every gift.
Your donation will help provide:
• Emergency relief grants
• Technology like laptops for business operations
• Immediate financial stabilization for small business owners
Every dollar goes directly toward supporting entrepreneurs who are working hard to keep their businesses alive and their families stable.