ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — The state of New York has set up a new recovery grant fund to help restaurants statewide that are struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It's called the "Raising the Bar" Restaurant Recovery Fund. It was unveiled by Empire State Development on Tuesday. The grant program has more than $3 million available for restaurants.
The program is designed specifically to help eligible restaurants adjust their operations so they can remain open through the winter while adhering to state COVID-19 safety guidelines.
In order to qualify for grant funding, restaurants must prove that they had expenditures from September 1, 2020 and on. The first round of grants will be for up to $5,000 each for eligible restaurants.
According to the state, that money can be used for a wide range of COVID-19-related improvements and equipment, including:
- Plexiglass barriers or partitions
- Signage promoting social distancing and hygiene protocol
- Heaters, heat lamps, weatherization upgrades
- Insulated delivery bags
- Filtration system upgrades
- Food heaters for to-go orders
- PPE and sanitation supplies
- Patio heaters
- Contactless technology
Initial grant funding will be awarded based on the applications received by the state and dispersed independently by NDC.
Restaurants can learn how to apply here.
