Leaders of the Mississippi 30 Day Fund are Gulf Coast residents with a passion for serving small businesses.
  Marie Sanderson says their short-term goal is to help 100 small businesses. “But we hope to do even more, as the demand for help is definitely high.’’
    That’s clearly the case in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 20, there are more than 2.29 million cases of the coronavirus in the USA, including over 121,000 deaths. More than 45 million     Americans have suddenly lost their jobs, with small business taking huge hits.
    Mississippi, like the rest of the nation, is reopening, but people are struggling with enormous financial needs.
    An Ocean Springs resident, Sanderson says her non-profit is stepping forward to serve small business. More than 50 percent of the small businesses that applied to the Mississippi 30 Day Fund didn’t receive the federal Paycheck Protection Program from the Small Business Administration. At the moment, there are 1,500 applications from people seeking Mississippi 30 Day Fund assistance.
    “Even those small businesses who have received some sort of state or federal support can still benefit from our charitable response as well,’’ Sanderson said.
    What is the 30 Day Fund concept all about?
    “Thirty days stands for the amount of time our maximum forgivable loan amount, $3,000, can generally sustain a business. Our contribution is meant to be a bridge to sustain a small business,’’ the Mississippian says. Her non-profit operates quickly. “We attempt to let a business know in three days where their application stands, or close to it, if they are eligible or ineligible.’’
    If funds are not available, applicants get placed on a waiting list. Marie and her volunteers go to work year-round raising funds to offer help.
    Their message is a timely appeal to businesses and individuals weathering the COVID-19 health crisis to spare dollars to assist others. “The Mississippi 30 Day Fund is a charitable way to do it.’’
    A small business in Hancock County, Heavenly Grace Farm specializes in children’s parties and operate with a range of animals such as ponies. Owners of the business in Kiln recently turned to the Mississippi 30 Day Fund for help.
    “The Mississippi 30 Day Fund has been a blessing for us at Heavenly Grace Farm LLC,’’ said Erica Kuhn. “It came at just the right time as we were desperately low on hay, feed and supplies for our 50-plus animals. We bring lots of smiles to children’s faces through our petting zoo parties and events.’’
    Erica thanked Marie Sanderson and other Mississippi 30 Day Fund leaders. “We couldn’t be more appreciative of what you’re doing for local small businesses.’’ Her farm is a place where families can pitch tents, cook out, swim and relax.
    One business recently receiving SBA funding is now doing better than ever. “He is donating resources to the Mississippi 30 Day Fund because he feels compelled to pay it forward to others having a harder year. We welcome new volunteers and businesses to join our cause,’’ Marie Sanderson said.