JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Restaurant and bar owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may now begin to apply for emergency funds through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
The fund is a part of the American Rescue Plan Act to help businesses stay open as they weather the COVID-19 storm. The fund will give businesses money equal to the amount lost during the pandemic up to $10 million, with no more per location.
Businesses that receive funds will not need to repay them as long as the funds are used in eligible ways by March 11, 2023.
Among the businesses that may apply for funds are:
- Restaurants
- Food stands, food trucks, food carts
- Caterers
- Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
- Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
- Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products
At this time, only priority groups may apply for funding. The program defines priority groups as businesses where at least a 51% stake in the business is owned by:
- Women
- Veterans
- Socially disadvantaged owners (racial/ethnic minorities)
- Economically disadvantaged owners
Below is a sample form.
For more information on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, including how to calculate how much money your business is eligible for, who may apply and sample forms, tap this link.