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Start-up fund for Thomas: reopening a sewing studio after a storm that collapsed the roof

Thomas lost a cutting table and overlocker to a storm that collapsed the roof and needs $3,300 to reopen a sewing studio and support the family.

🇺🇸 United States3,163 views
Thomas H. Jackson
Email verified
Buffalo
For nine years I have run a sewing studio in Buffalo. In September, a storm that collapsed the roof took a cutting table and overlocker. I have no insurance, and the bank won't lend to me. Before that, my customers came every Monday, and I employed 3 people from the neighborhood. I have been out of business for 10 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. I'll buy equipment from local suppliers and post photos and receipts as I go. Where the $3,300 goes: • Replacing a cutting table and overlocker: $1,150 • Initial stock: fabric: $910 • Shop repairs and licensing: $510 • Working capital for the first month: $730 Ask me anything below before you decide. I'd rather you were sure. - Thomas
#small-business#livelihood#restart

Updates from Thomas

  1. Thank you all. We're at 32% now ($1,054). I'm honestly stunned. I met with the supplier and confirmed the amounts.

  2. Wanted to say thank you properly. 50% funded and I made the first payment toward initial stock: fabric.

  3. Wanted to say thank you properly. 59% funded and I made the first payment toward replacing a cutting table and overlocker.

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    “Happy to help. Please keep us posted. - Jakarta Barat”

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    “Hope this helps. This is from my last paycheck, glad to do it. - São Paulo”

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    “Thinking of you. Only $67 but hope it helps.”

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    “Small amount but sent with love. - Envigado”

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    “Shared with friends too. - Paarl”

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    “Best of luck. I'm in Savar, thinking of you.”

  • Carolina D. Benítez 🇺🇸 · $50
  • Anonymous 🇲🇽 · $50

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  • Isaac Olumide BelloQuestion

    Any update on how things are going in Buffalo?

    • Zahra Eka Susanto

      Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. This is the second need I've supported on here and the first that made me cry. All the best.

      • Serkan Oğuz Şahin

        Praying for you, Thomas. Small businesses are the heart of Buffalo. Hope you're open again soon. Take care

        • Varsha N. Hegde

          Thinking of you and your family. It takes guts to ask. Well done.

          $3,747.50 raised of $3,300

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