Bills Cornerback Josh Norman Helps Start Initiative With Buffalo Mayor That Gives Grants To Local Small Businesses
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman is a NFL All-Pro on the field and an all-pro in the community. Norman and his non-profit organization, Stars 24, teamed up with Buffalo mayor Byron W. Brown and the City of Buffalo to start the “Buffalo Business Blitz”.
It’s an all-out blitz to help small businesses who could really use some help after what’s been a crazy 2020, affecting countless businesses and people’s livelihoods with new regulations in place to try and combat COVID-19.
According to Yelp’s Economic Average data, throughout the US, “the restaurant industry continues to be among the most impacted with an increasing number of closures ā totaling 32,109 closures as of August 31, (2020) with 19,590 of these business closures indicated to be permanent…Retail and shopping follows closely behind restaurants with 30,374 total business closures, 17,503 of which are permanent…Both men and womenās clothing, as well as home decor, have the highest rate of business closures…The beauty industry has seen a 22% increase in closures since July, totalling 16,585 closures.”
Norman and the city of Buffalo recognized a need and stepped in to help.
Norman announced the initiative on his Twitter on December 1, saying: “I am a newcomer to the city of Buffalo, but for these past 6months Iāve grown to call this place home. In my short time of living here Iāve experienced what makes this place truly great. And thatās the (people)…Witnessing how Buffalonians support each other makes me want to do as much as I can for this City & itās Small businesses which is the Beating Heart of this place. So what better way than to help keep these businesses alive during a difficult holiday season.”
According to TMZ on December 26, Norman said there were “about 650 applications. It’s crazy, but the thing is, a lot of people need help. A lot of people are struggling right now and it’s pretty sad.”
Norman also gave $25,000 of his own money to the cause per TMZ.
“Iām calling on local business leaders and philanthropists to add to our donation so we can support as many businesses as possible,” Norman said. “And to the Bills Mafia, Iāve seen what you are capable of. I want you to give what you can because without these small businesses, Buffalo is not the same secret.ā
The Buffalo Business Blitz’s goal is to raise 1-million dollars. So far, they are at over 119-thousand dollars.
If you’d like to help support the cause in giving grants out to small businesses, you can do so here.
“We are experiencing perilous times during this holiday season, but I believe in the spirit of the (people),” Norman said in a Tweet. “Yes I maybe saying this from an advantage standpoint but this right here is truly the real team I wanna Win for in life!”
āJosh Norman continues to be a leader in our community…he cares about the health, safety, and prosperity of our residents and continues to find new ways to be an active member of Buffalo. My administration has worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure our small businesses have all the resources they need to operate safely and according to New York Stateās guidelines. These funds will ensure that more businesses will have the resources they need during these difficult times. I echo Josh Normanās call to action for business leaders, philanthropists, and the Bills mafia to contribute to Buffalo Business Blitz so we can assist as many businesses as possible.ā
Mayor Byron W. Brown per Starz 24
Norman and the Buffalo community stepped up to order take out at a local food market where 100% of the proceeds were to support the Buffalo Business Blitz:
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