Through the Maryland Relief Act of 2021, an appropriation of $2.9 million has been made available to assist restaurants and food service establishments that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Restaurant Assistance Grant will provide grants of $12,000 to Prince George’s County-based restaurants and food establishments to promote long-term sustainability and resiliency of businesses operations, support COVID-19 safety measures, and support businesses operating at reduced capacity.

Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received prior relief funding through the Maryland Department of Commerce (MEDAAF and COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Loan or Grant Program). 15% of Grant Funds will be awarded to businesses that are in a targeted economic status.

Applications will be accepted between May 3, 2021 and May 21, 2021. Applications will be reviewed once all applications have been received. Grants will not be approved and awarded on a rolling basis. Applicants are not guaranteed to received funding.

If you have questions, please refer to FAQ before sending an email to restaurantassistancepgc@co.pg.md.us

Extended Key Dates

• Application Acceptance May 3 through May 21

• Notification of Awards June 4, 2021

• Acceptance of Grant Agreement June 11, 2021 (Grantee Deadline)

• Disbursement of Funds June 30, 2021

Application Eligibility and Requirements

Use of Grant: 

Businesses may receive a grant of $12,000 to support COVID-related costs including personal protection equipment (PPE), interior improvements to support social distancing, expenses to create or expand takeout/ carryout and/or delivery services, marketing, and operating expenses (rent, payroll, inventory, insurance, utilities).

Instructions For New Applicants

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

Applicants that were not awarded funds through the Restaurant Resiliency Fund must complete a new application.

Application Instructions For Previous Restaurant Resiliency Fund Awardees

If your business has received a grant award through the Restaurant Resiliency Fund, you will not need to complete a new application. Use your Restaurant Resiliency Fund application identification number to log into the application portal and complete a new section of the application form.  Additional information you will need to complete the application include:

• Application Identification Number

• Updated Evidence of Good Standing

• Demonstrate a need for assistance

• Use of grant funds

• Economic Status information for Owners

• Updated 2020 Balance Sheet and Income Statement data

Applicants must be compliant with the Restaurant Resiliency Fund reporting requirements to FSC First. Applications from restaurants that are not compliant will be rejected. Restaurants should contact FSC First and submit outstanding documents before applying for Restaurant Assistance Grant funds.

If you do not have your application ID number, please send an email to restaurantassistancepgc@co.pg.md.us.

If you began an application in the Restaurant Resiliency Fund portal, but did not complete/submit your application, please complete a new application.

Notice of Grant & Acceptance

Recipients of a grant will be notified by the email provided on the application. Applicants will certify at the end of the application that all information provided is accurate and true. Grantees have until June 4, 2021 to accept the Grant Agreement. Grant recipients, and the dollar amount of the grant received, are public information.

Grant funds may be reported as taxable income to the businesses. IRS 1099 Forms will be issued to each grant recipient.

Grantees have until June 4, 2021 to accept the Grant Agreement.