Government Loans

SBA Loan page here. There are several grant and loan programs offered there.

PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) Loan application here. We’re putting all the info we know about it here but we’re not experts.
We encourage you to reach out to your banker, accountant, or tax attorney for more info.
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone. The SBA has announced that it will allow eligible small businesses and sole proprietorships to submit applications beginning Friday, April 3, 2020, and independent contractors and self-employed individuals to apply beginning April 10, 2020. For eligibility requirements and details about the program, visit sba.gov/ppp.

EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loans)The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) can provide up to $2 million of financial assistance (actual loan amounts are based on the amount of economic injury) to small businesses or private, non-profit organizations that suffer substantial economic injury as a result of the declared disaster.

Downtown Forgivable Loan The Downtown Business Continuity – Forgivable Loan Program (Program) is designed to assist eligible businesses that are in serious jeopardy of permanent closure due solely to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic impacts. A review of both the financial history and the current financial condition of the business will be used to determine the need and potential eligibility. The Program will provide direct financial assistance to existing, locally-owned, eligible businesses, with a preference for businesses operating continuously within the Central Business Improvement District (CBID) for a minimum of 12 months preceding the application submittal date. Applicants will also be considered if the business was open as of February 1, 2020, and the business owner/operator has a history of successful operations. Loan applications will be accepted beginning April 2, 2020, and end when the approved funding is depleted.

For Employees

Update 4/28/20 – The H.E.A.P initiative at the Kemmons Wilson School is aimed at helping hospitality employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing free CARE PACKAGES of groceries and household supplies that could last a family for a week. They plan to continue this effort until there is a need in the industry. They have several donors and partners joining in this effort. Read all about it here and find the link to submit your employees.

Hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Foundation, the Mid-South COVID-19 Regional Response Fund provides flexible funding to organizations serving people impacted by novel coronavirus and the economic consequences of the pandemic in West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi. Give to this fund (earmarked for hospitality workers) here.

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation created the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund which will provide $500 grants to restaurant industry employees who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19, financially, whether through a decrease in wages or loss of employment. Apply here.

Donations that keep restaurants running

Update 4/22/20 – Tennessee Action for Hospitality has money available to distribute for independent business owners and their employees in the restaurant/bar business. Anyone whose qualifies across the entire State of Tennessee is available to sign up for the funds. The grants can be used for assistance with utilities, mortgages, etc.

Feed The Front Lines Memphis
In partnership with dozens of local restaurants, we are raising money to cater to those working long, stressful and heartbreaking hours on the front lines of this virus. Please join us as we try to lift up our local restaurants, as well as provide meals to those doctors and nurses fighting for us! #FeedTheFrontLines
You can give here.
Contact the program if you are a restaurant interested in preparing the meals.

Salvation Army
To donate to the Salvation Army click here.
They are employing local restaurants to prepare meals for those they serve, as the donations come in. To apply to be one of the restaurants on the list, email me.

COVID-19 Posts:
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