Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application Deadline is Monday, May 24, 2021 at 8:00pm
May 19, 2021
The SBA announced it will be closing the portal for RRF applications at 8:00pm Monday evening, May 24.
The program, which opened May 1, was included as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. It provides up to $28.6 billion in funds to help hard-hit restaurants as well as food stands, food trucks, food carts, caterers, saloons, inns, taverns, bars, lounges, brew pubs, tasting rooms, taprooms and more.
The program has been popular as eateries resume operations in many parts of the country as governors roll back restrictions on indoor eating, capacity limits and mask mandates. While the money has been going out quickly, there are still funds set aside for some of the smallest businesses.
“We are reaching the smallest of the small businesses through this program, with one-third of the total funds set aside just for them,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman during a webinar last Friday hosted by the group Small Business for America’s Future. “This program really represents my priorities of meeting our businesses where they are, and integrating a customer first, technology-driven and equitable approach to all of our programs at the SBA.”
Congress set aside $5 billion for applicants with gross receipts of less than $500,000, They also gave priority to businesses owned by women, veterans and “economically and socially disadvantaged individuals.” The agency also created two extra funding allocations to provide better access to the smallest restaurants and eateries, including $500 million set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of no more than $50,000, and $4 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts between $500,000 and $1,500,000. While all qualified restaurants can submit applications for the program, more than $220 million of the $500 million set-aside remains in the fund, the SBA said Tuesday. Eligible eateries that meet this revenue standard can apply through SBA-recognized vendors or directly through the SBA online application portal.
Contact the SBA office for assistance, or reach out to us and we can direct you to appropriate resources.
May 14, 2021
Northam lifts mask mandate midnight May 15; social distancing, capacity restrictions to end May 28
Virginia Governor Northam’s office issued:
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER SEVENTY-TWO, SIXTH AMENDED
AND
ORDER OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY TEN
ENDING OF COMMONSENSE PUBLIC HEALTH RESTRICTIONS
DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) – Link here
AND
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER SEVENTY-NINE (2021) – Link here
Governor Ralph Northam lifted Virginia’s universal indoor mask mandate to align with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Governor Northam also announced that Virginia will ease all distancing and capacity restrictions on Friday, May 28, two weeks earlier than planned. The updates to Virginia’s mask policy are reflected in amendments to Executive Order Seventy-Two and will become effective at midnight, May 15 along with previously announced changes to mitigation measures.
However, everyone will still need to wear a mask on public transit, in health care facilities and in congregate settings.
Those who are not vaccinated but work in certain sectors, such as retail, fitness, restaurant, personal care/grooming and entertainment venues must wear a mask.
“The vaccines are clearly working and they are saving lives. Our case counts are dropping to levels not seen since last summer. In these next two weeks I strongly urge every eligible Virginian to get vaccinated,” said Northam.
Masks will also still be required in K-12 public schools due to the low vaccination rates among children. Children age 12 and up are now eligible to get the Pfizer vaccine after the FDA expanded the emergency use authorization to include the age group.
Northam said businesses will still retain the right to require a mask on customers and employees.
The state of emergency will remain in place through at least June 30 to give local government flexibility and support during vaccination efforts. Northam said he will also take executive action to ensure individuals have the option to wear masks up to and after that date.
May 3, 2021
FAIRFAX CITY, VA —
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will accept applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund beginning at 12:00n Monday, May 3. Information for applicants is available by SBA here.
Other helpful documents provided by the National Restaurant Association can be located here. They have also offered a Step by Step Guide and FAQs.
April 27, 2021
Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA Announces RRF Portal will be open April 30, 2021
Registration for the SBA application portal will begin on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 am ET. Applications will open on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon ET. See How to apply for more detail.
Get help with your application
For assistance preparing your application, you can access the following:
- RRF knowledge base support documentation
- Call center support: 1-844-279-8898
- Your local SBA District Office
April 17, 2021
SBA – Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The SBA just released a sample application for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and a program guide.
The SBA has not announced when they will begin accepting applications – today’s release is a sample application and guide so that restaurants can review and prepare.
Once the application portal opens up, the SBA will accept applications from all eligible applicants, however processing and funding for Day 1 – Day 21 will be designated for Priority Groups (see below). SBA will accept applications from all eligible applicants and process applications in the order in which they are approved by SBA.
The National Restaurant Association has reviewed early drafts of the application and discussed them with the SBA.
The National Restaurant Association’s FAQ document, updated April 9, 2021 gives helpful information.
Who can apply
Eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include:
- Restaurants
- Food stands, food trucks, food carts
- Caterers
- Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
- Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
- Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products
Cross-program eligibility on SBA COVID-19 relief options
A summary of the criteria to meet when considering different funding options can be found here.
SBA will accept applications from all eligible applicants, but only process and fund priority group applications. See “Priority groups” below.
During this period, SBA will fund applications where the applicant has self-certified that it meets the eligibility requirements for a small business owned by women, veterans, or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Priority groups
- A small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are:
- Women, or
- Veterans, or
- Socially and economically disadvantaged (see below).
- Applicants must self-certify on the application that they meet eligibility requirements
- Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias because of their identity as a member of a group without regard to their individual qualities.
- Economically disadvantaged individuals are those socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities as compared to others in the same business area who are not socially disadvantaged.
