Schatz: New COVID Relief Law Creates $29 Billion Grant Program For Local Restaurants, Bars, And More

Press Release

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai"i) today released a resource guide to help Hawai"i restaurants and other food and beverage establishments access a new federal grant program. Established under the America Rescue Plan Act, this program offers grants to help cover revenue losses as a result of the pandemic and can be used for a wide variety of expenses.

"This new grant program will help Hawai"i restaurants keep the lights on and keep employees on the payroll until we can return to normal life," said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "If you own a local restaurant, I encourage you to visit our website to learn more about how this grant could help you stay afloat during this tough time."

Administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the new Restaurant Revitalization Fund will offer grants to small food and beverage businesses to cover the difference between 2019 revenue and 2020 revenue. Eligible businesses include restaurants; food stands, trucks, or carts; caterers; bars or lounges; saloons, inns, or taverns; and brewpubs, tasting rooms, or taprooms. Publicly-traded corporations and companies with more than 20 locations will not be eligible for this funding. The grants can be used for payroll, rent, mortgage, utilities, maintenance expenses, supplier costs, and other operational expenses. More details about how the program will be implemented -- including when and how businesses can apply -- are expected soon.

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act is the second largest rescue package in American history and was signed into law on March 11.

The full resource guide, including more details on eligibility and use of funds, can be found below and is available here. It will be continuously updated as the SBA releases more information in the coming days.

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