Washington Announces $1.3M for Restaurant Relief Grant Program

The Washington County Department of Business Development announced applications are now being accepted for the Direct Relief for Restaurant Grant program.

The Direct Relief for Restaurants Grant program will award up to $1.35 million to assist local restaurants with working capital.

From Washington County’s press release:

General terms and conditions of the Direct Restaurant Relief Grant include:
  • Must own, rent, or lease a permanent or mobile commercial food and/or beverage service location in Washington County as of March 1, 2020 (non-profit organizations, commissaries, food banks, groceries, farmers markets, vending machines, catering, home kitchens, etc. are not eligible)
  • Business must have a current Washington County business license and have been in business on March 1, 2020, and the business must be in good standing with Washington County Government and the State of Maryland with no outstanding taxes, fees, or other charges, and registered with the state, if required by law.
  • Demonstrate operational expenses or purchases incurred due to COVID-19 in the periods from March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020.
  • Eligible expenses may include, but are not necessarily limited to working capital, such as rent, payroll, and job training, purchase of equipment and services to expand outdoor dining, such as tents, heaters, warmers, and carts, infrastructure improvements, such as HVAC system upgrades, technology to support carryout and delivery, purchase of PPE and disposable food containers or utensils, sanitation services, and any other costs related to continuity of business.
  • Applications from franchise restaurants will be accepted as long as the franchisee does not own more than 2 franchise businesses in Washington County.
  • The maximum amount awarded for this grant will be $20,000 per applicant.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, December 18. Applications for the Direct Restaurant Relief Grant must be made online at www.washcorises.net. The website also provides guidelines, application instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

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