Prince George’s Announces COVID-19 Restaurant Resiliency Fund

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks today announced a $6 million grant program to assist restaurants and foodservice establishments that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Restaurant Resiliency Fund will provide grants up to $25,000 to Prince George’s County-based restaurants and food establishments to promote long-term sustainability and resiliency of business operations, support COVID-19 safety measures, and support businesses operating at reduced capacity.

 

Eligible businesses may use grant funds to cover operating expenses such as rent, payroll, and utilities, as well as costs associated with the purchase of personal protective equipment, ensuring sanitary physical spaces, and implementing online customer engagement and transactions.

Applications — which will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis — will be accepted between November 13, 2020, and December 18, 2020.

As previously reported on Conduit Street, Governor Larry Hogan recently announced that the state will provide county governments with a total of $50 million to support direct aid to local restaurants and foodservice businesses. Counties must allocate all funds by December 31, 2020.

According to a County press release:

Eligibility:

  • Physical location must be in Prince George’s County

    • Open to Food Trucks, catering establishments, farm stands licensed in Prince George’s County (convenience stores not eligible)

  • Must be in “good standing” with the State of Maryland

  • Not be in bankruptcy or litigation

  • Have incurred financial losses caused directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 public health emergency

  • Must be a for-profit entity. All business formations including corporations, partnerships, cooperatives (co-ops), and sole proprietors eligible.

  • Recipients of the County’s COVID-19 Business Relief Fund, Legacy Fund, and municipal grant programs are eligible to apply

  • Restaurants currently closed must commit to reopening within 30 days of receipt of funds

  • Franchises independently owned and operated

  • The primary function of the business must be food service

To apply for recovery funds, a link to the application portal will be available on November 13, 2020.

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 Resiliency funds must not be used to cover cost already covered by the PPP or EIDL loan or grant funds.

Visit the Prince George’s County website for more information.