Skip to content
HelpBLESS
Join free
Browse needsPeopleFeedDonationsHow it worksPost a needSign in
MoneySmall business

Start-up fund for Roberto: reopening a neighborhood bakery after a break-in

Roberto lost a commercial oven to a break-in and needs $1,150 to reopen a neighborhood bakery and support the family.

🇮🇹 Messina, Sicily, ItalyPosted Aug 20, 20261,297 views
Roberto Roberto Romano
Email verifiedPhoto verified
Member since Aug 6, 2026 · Messina
For fifteen years I have run a neighborhood bakery in Messina. In July, a break-in took a commercial oven. I have no insurance, and the bank won't lend to me. Before that, my customers came every Sunday, and I employed 3 people from the neighborhood. I have been out of business for 4 weeks. This business pays my children's school fees and rent. I have already started working from home in small ways, but I can't meet orders without proper equipment. Every contribution brings me closer to reopening, and I promise to post photos as I buy each item. Once I'm back on my feet I plan to hire back the people I had to let go. Where the $1,150 goes: • Shop repairs and licensing: $210 • Working capital for the first month: $400 • Initial stock: flour, butter and sugar: $540 Thanks for reading all this.
#small-business#livelihood#restart

Updates from Roberto

  1. We're at 53% thanks to 11 of you. I met with the supplier and confirmed the amounts. More news soon.

  2. Thank you all. We're at 56% now ($639). I'm honestly stunned. the first invoice got paid this week.

  3. Quick update: $40 raised so far (3%). I made the first payment toward shop repairs and licensing. Receipts coming as soon as I have them.

Donations

RecentTop gifts
  • Naoki Hashimoto 🇯🇵 · $25 · 1w ago
  • Clara P. Coleman 🇺🇸 · $10 · 1w ago
  • Addison P. Bell 🇺🇸 · $10 · 2w ago

    “Thought of Roberto all day after reading this. - Cleveland”

  • Bakari Tumusiime Bakari 🇺🇬 · $25 · 2w ago
  • Lestari Gita Lubis 🇮🇩 · $10 · 3w ago
  • Anonymous 🇲🇽 · $10 · 3w ago

    “Good luck. Only $10 but hope it helps. - Tehuacán”

  • Walker A. Phillips 🇺🇸 · $10 · 3w ago

    “Hang in there. Hope the September deadline works out. - Oakland”

  • Mercy Chebet Bakari 🇰🇪 · $50 · 3w ago

    “Stay strong. Thought of Roberto all day after reading this. - Mombasa”

  • Emma L. Palmer 🇺🇸 · $69.50 · 1mo ago
  • Payal C. Nanda 🇮🇳 · $25 · 1mo ago
  • Anonymous 🇺🇸 · $25 · 1mo ago
  • Khadija Nkechi Shittu 🇳🇬 · $50 · 1mo ago
  • Paula Christina Köhler 🇩🇪 · $25 · 1mo ago
  • Nattaya Darunee Ngamsuk 🇹🇭 · $250 · 1mo ago
  • Gökhan Kemal Sarı 🇹🇷 · $107 · 1mo ago
  • Anonymous 🇮🇳 · $25 · 1mo ago

    “Hope things get better. My neighbor told me about this one. - Chennai”

  • Makoto Ryota Ando 🇯🇵 · $75 · 1mo ago
  • Alberto A. Vásquez 🇪🇸 · $15 · 1mo ago
  • Evans Musyoka Kessy 🇰🇪 · $77 · 1mo ago

    “Blessings. Hope the September deadline works out. - Naivasha”

  • Nahom Zelalem Wolde 🇪🇹 · $25 · 1mo ago

Reviews

Only people who gave to this need, or whose offer to help was accepted, can review it.

No reviews yet.

Questions & comments

Ask before you give. Email-verified members can comment and ask questions - no donation needed.

Sign in or create a free account to join the conversation.

  • Shailesh B. Gandhi1mo ago

    Stay strong. Hope the shop reopens soon. We had a similar scare last year, I know what it feels like

    • Lipi Bithi Mondal3w ago

      sending love, Roberto. I hope things turn around soon. We're a small family in Saint Petersburg but we're thinking of you.

      • Aravind W. Nayak3w ago

        hope you get there. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. Greetings from Kano.

        • Ramon S. Alcantara2w ago

          wishing you the best, Roberto. I'd happily buy from you once you're back up!

          • Naresh H. AroraPhoto verified6d ago

            Small businesses are the heart of Messina. Hope you're open again soon. All the best.

            $958.50 raised of $1,150

            Give

            More people who need help