The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major economic impact in Connecticut and across the country. Restaurants have been among those hardest hit and are uniquely affected. Local restaurants make up the fabric of our communities and can’t be left behind.

I’m proud to announce that as a result of the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden in March 2021, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a new relief program called the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses adversely affected by COVID-19.  I pushed for this relief after hearing from restaurants in the First District.

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund will provide restaurants with targeted relief equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss, up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the grant as long as funds are used for eligible uses, no later than March 11, 2023.

Within the first 21 days of the program launch, the SBA will prioritize applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. After that time, all eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications.

The program opened on May 3^rd.  For more information from the SBA on qualifying businesses, how to apply, and more please visit here.

Regards,
 
John B. Larson
Member of Congress