Mayor Arrigo Announces Quarter of Million Dollar COVID-19 Restaurant Recovery Grant Program
February 18, 2021
Application Now Available at Revere.org/SmallBusiness
REVERE, MA- Today, Mayor Brian Arrigo announced the launch of an innovative pilot grant program aimed at boosting the recovery of Revere’s local, independent restaurants in the spring and summer of 2021. The program will help support COVID-safe restaurant operations and provide targeted technical assistance. The application is now available at revere.org/smallbusiness.
“We know this industry has been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few months my team and the Office of Planning & Development have been working to find a way to support these small businesses,” said Mayor Brian Arrigo. “These grants will not only help restaurants continue to operate in a safe manner but also create a strong foundation for the City’s long-term economic recovery.”
Up to 10 restaurants will be selected to participate in the pilot and will be eligible to receive up to three months of grant assistance and ongoing business development support. The City will select a broad mix of Revere restaurants, reflecting a range of business locations, sizes, and ownership. The program is open to all restaurants that are in good standing with the City of Revere.
Grant amounts will be determined based on available funds and the applicant’s level of need, and funds may be used on business working capital and/or fixed costs. The Revere Business Response team will provide small business development support and technical assistance services including tailored support for strengthening the business’s online and marketing presence, takeout and delivery operations, and/or their readiness to plan for and operate outdoor seating this year.
According to the most recent COVID-related unemployment data, Revere has seen that food preparation and restaurant workers have been impacted more than twice as hard as other local industries. Because of this, Mayor Arrigo is committing a portion of the program to cover the cost of providing ServSafe food safety trainings to strengthen the job-readiness of those in the restaurant industry. ServSafe is a training and certificate program administered by the U.S. National Restaurant Association.
Information sessions for restaurant owners will be held on Monday, 2/22 at 3:30PM in English and 4:30PM in Spanish. Register at www.revere.org/register (English) or www.revere.org/registrarse (Spanish).
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