COVID 19 RESTAURANT ASSISTANCE GRANT
Through the Maryland Relief Act of 2021, an appropriation of $2.9 million has been made available to assist restaurants and food service establishments that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
The Restaurant Assistance Grant will provide grants up to $12,000 to Prince George’s County-based restaurants and food establishments to promote long-term sustainability and resiliency of businesses operations, support COVID-19 safety measures, and support businesses operating at reduced capacity.
Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received prior relief funding through the Maryland Department of Commerce (MEDAAF and COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Loan or Grant Program). 15% of Grant Funds will be awarded to businesses that are in a targeted economic status.
Applications will be accepted between May 3, 2021 and May 21, 2021. Applications will be reviewed once all applications have been received. Grants will not be approved and awarded on a rolling basis. Applicants are not guaranteed to received funding.
|
KEY DATES:
- Application Acceptance May 3 through May 21
- Notification of Awards June 4, 2021
- Acceptance of Grant Agreement June 11, 2021(Grantee Deadline)
- Disbursement of Funds June 30, 2021
|
ELIGIBILITY:
- Be primarily engaged in activities that, in accordance with the North American Industrial Classification System, would be included in Code 722320 (Caterers), Code 7224 (Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), or Code 7225 (Restaurants and Other Eating Places)
- Physical location must be in Prince George's County
- Must be in “good standing” with the State of Maryland
- Not be in bankruptcy or litigation
- Demonstrate need for assistance
- For-profit and not-for-profit entities are eligible. All business formations including corporations, partnerships, cooperatives (co-ops), and sole proprietors eligible.
- Franchises independently owned and operated
|
USE OF GRANT:
Businesses may receive a grant up to $12,000 to support COVID-related costs including personal protection equipment (PPE), interior improvements to support social distancing, expenses to create or expand takeout/ carryout and/or delivery services, marketing, and operating expenses (rent, payroll, inventory, insurance, utilities).
|
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants that were not awarded funds through the Restaurant Resiliency Fund must complete a new application.
Prior to submission of your application, confirm that your business is “Active” and in “Good Standing” by using SDAT’s free search the link below. Evidence of Good Standing is required to complete the online application.
https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch
If your business is not in good standing, you will be ineligible to receive funds. If you need assistance with getting your business back into good standing, directions can be found at the link below and on the attached checklist.
https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/manage/maintain-good-standing-status
Businesses that have received funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs will be required to identify how much they have received and expenditures covered. Restaurant Assistance Grant funds must not be used to cover cost already covered by the PPP or EIDL loan or grant funds.
|
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
- Complete online application
- Evidence of Good Standing (Screenshot/Photo will be accepted)
- Food Service License/Permit
- Copy of Voided Check
- Articles of Incorporation/Organization/Formation
|
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREVIOUS RESTAURANT ASSISTANCE GRANT AWARDEES:
If your business has received a grant award through the Restaurant Resiliency Fund, you will not need to complete a new application. Use your Restaurant Resiliency Fund application identification number to log into the application portal and complete a new section of the application form. Additional information you will need to complete the application include:
- Application Identification Number
- Updated Evidence of Good Standing
- Demonstrate a need for assistance
- Use of grant funds
- Economic Status information for Owners
- Updated 2020 Balance Sheet and Income Statement data
Applicants must be compliant with the Restaurant Resiliency Fund reporting requirements to FSC First. Applications from restaurants that are not compliant will be rejected. Restaurants should contact FSC First and submit outstanding documents before applying for Restaurant Assistance Grant funds.
If you began an application in the Restaurant Resiliency Fund portal, but did not complete/submit your application, please complete a new application.
|
NOTICE OF GRANT AWARD & ACCEPTANCE:
Recipients of a grant will be notified by the email provided on the application. Applicants will certify at the end of the application that all information provided is accurate and true. Grantees have until June 4, 2021 to accept the Grant Agreement. Grant recipients, and the dollar amount of the grant received, are public information.
Grant funds may be reported as taxable income to the businesses. IRS 1099 Forms will be issued to each grant recipient.
Grantees have until June 4, 2021 to accept the Grant Agreement.
|