Federal funds are available to help restaurants rebuild and recover from losses experienced in the pandemic.
The funds are through the U.S. Small Business Administration. They are part of the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress.
About $28.6 billion has been appropriated nationally for restaurants that qualify to receive the SBA award funds, according to Michael Barrera, SBA district director for the Kansas City area. He discussed the program during a Facebook video presentation with U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist.
Restaurants are all competing against one another throughout the country for the funds, and millions of businesses serve food, Barrera said.
It’s important for restaurants to apply as early as possible, because of the competition for funding, and to follow the directions as closely as possible, he said. Several documents are required, and it is necessary to include them.
Among those businesses eligible for the funds will be restaurants, food trucks, bakers, caterers, snack shops, coffee shops, bars, brew pubs, tasting rooms, breweries, wineries and others, he said.
Those businesses that are permanently closed are not eligible, although those temporarily closed may be eligible, he said.
Applications are made directly to the SBA, a federal agency.
To apply for the restaurant revitalization funds, visit the Small Business Administration website at restaurants.sba.gov or https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund.
A video with tips on how to file the application is online at https://www.facebook.com/RepDavids/videos/1574984196023089.