East Providence has long been nurtured by hard working, adaptable and culturally diverse small business owners with creativity and ingenuity. 

Our businesses were intentionally opened IN East Providence, and in doing so we have contributed to the revitalization of vulnerable neighborhoods, under tremendous pressure, with few resources and with respect and support from East Providence residents.

We need equitable, thoughtful political action to protect our city’s colorful, artful and unique spirit.

We need money. We need to know our bills and employees are paid while we, once again, rally together as individual community members to help survive the disasters we have absolutely no control over. The timing of this disaster will very literally force many of us to close. We rely on every cent we make in December to hang on until springtime. If not addressed swiftly, this will have devastating consequences.

We can’t wait until next month. Or next year. We cannot expect the business owners of East Providence to survive off gift card sales to simply keep the doors open. Nor should we be tasked with the invisible labor of coordinating adaptations to our already struggling local economy. 

We won’t survive on shout outs. 

We need money to pay our bills, feed our kids and fight for the community building businesses we’ve put everything on the line for. Because we love this city and the people who love and live here.

We expect our city and state governments to advocate for and allocate the funding necessary for us to not only survive, or stay afloat, but to give us a fighting chance to THRIVE. 

East Providence is in a fantastic position to set the tone for cooperative, action-oriented and equitable economic growth. 

Protect us. Pay us. Listen to us. Be accountable. Do the right thing. We know that’s at the very core of Townie spirit.

Amelia Olson (Owner of Tall Tumbleweed Modern and Vintage)

Natalie VanLandingham (Co-owner of Myrtle)