Congresswoman Lee Announces American Rescue Plan’s $28.6 Billion Restaurant Relief Grant Program to Open May 3
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released a statement amplifying an announcement from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that the $28.6 billion restaurant relief proposal signed into law as part of President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan will begin accepting applications at 9:00 a.m. PT on May 3. Congresswoman Lee was an original cosponsor of legislation to create this lifeline for restaurants and advocated for its inclusion in the American Rescue Plan.
Registration for the SBA application portal began on Friday, April 30 at 6:00 a.m. PT. In preparation for the grant program’s opening, the SBA released detailed guidance for those seeking relief money through the restaurant revitalization fund.
“Independent restaurants and eateries are the beating hearts of our communities, and they have struggled mightily during this pandemic. This relief announced by the SBA comes at a crucial time as we begin to turn the corner on the pandemic and try to reopen our economy,” said Congresswoman Lee.
“Black and minority owned restaurants and businesses, as well as women and veteran owned restaurants and businesses, have been hit hardest by this pandemic. I’m pleased that the SBA will prioritize applications for restaurants in economically or socially disadvantaged communities in the first three weeks of the grant program. I encourage all businesses owners that need funding to cover food costs, payroll, or any other business expenses to apply for this grant. My office is here to help you through this process.”
“Under the visionary leadership of congressional Democrats, Congress laid the groundwork for the SBA to deliver targeted relief swiftly and efficiently to the millions of small business owners and workers in restaurants and other related establishments that are among those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “We’ve designed the Restaurant Revitalization Fund program to ensure this relief is delivered with a focus on equity. America’s small businesses are the engine of our economy. If we’re going to build back better, we must ensure all of our nation’s entrepreneurs have the tools they need to bring businesses back, create jobs and grow our economy.”
Additional guidance from the SBA on the restaurant revitalization program can be found here.
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