FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2020

CONTACT
Kristin O’Keefe
VP of Communications & Marketing
kristin@thinkmoco.com
240.641.6703

Community Encouraged to Share News of $10,000 Grants for Local Eateries

Rockville, Md. — The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) will administer and award grants of up to $10,000 per establishment to eligible Montgomery County, Maryland restaurants to cover a variety of expenses, including rent and payroll. Applications must be submitted to the Restaurant Relief Grant Program by December 4, 2020. 

The restaurant industry has been severely impacted by the pandemic, losing revenue and customers due to public health related concerns, closures and restrictions. In response, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan allocated $50 million in direct relief for restaurants, sending approximately $8 million to Montgomery County to aid its restaurants. 

Working with the Montgomery County Executive, on November 17, the County Council voted to approve the Restaurant Relief Grant Program. MCEDC will administer and award grants of up to $10,000 to eligible restaurants and other entities like food trucks, caterers, and wineries and breweries that directly provide food service. Applications for the new restaurant grants will be accepted from November 20 through December 4, 2020. The grants will be distributed before the end of the year.

“Our restaurants have been particularly hard-hit during this pandemic. Montgomery County has responded with creative pivots, outdoor streeteries and regulatory changes like relaxed rules on alcohol takeout and delivery. The new Restaurant Relief Grant is another important way to help support continued operations through the winter months and holiday season,” said Benjamin H. Wu, the President and CEO of MCEDC. 

Given the short timeframe, MCEDC is asking Montgomery County residents and business owners to help share the news about the new grant program with their favorite eateries. 

“Our food service industry has relied on new and loyal customers to keep them going during these hard times. We’re hoping those customers can also help spread the word about the new grant by letting your favorite restaurant know they may qualify for up to $10,000 in aid and sending them to our website to access the application,” said Wu. “We’re asking the community to please continue to patronize our restaurants and our retailers too through the holidays, whether it’s online ordering, curbside pickup or buying gift cards. There has already been a tremendous support for local businesses, let’s keep it up.” 

The MCEDC website http://thinkmoco.com/covid-19-resources/restaurant-relief-grant has Restaurant Relief Grant flyers in multiple languages available for businesses and customers to download and drop off at their favorite restaurants when they visit for carryout and curbside — or to email to a favorite establishment.  

Eligible program grant expenses include working capital, such as rent, payroll and job training; purchase of equipment and services to expand outdoor dining, such as tents, heaters, warmers and carts; infrastructure improvements, such as HVAC system upgrades; technology to support carryout and delivery; purchase of PPE and disposable food containers and utensils; and sanitation services. 

Local restaurants have also been able to access support through the pandemic from other existing complementary Montgomery County programs. They include:  

The Reopen Montgomery Grant, which covers certain expenses incurred to comply with state and county reopening requirements (as long as different expenditures than those in the Restaurant Relief Grant); 

Visit Montgomery’s MoCo Eats Guide, a restaurant directory that promotes delivery, outdoor seating options and more; and  

MCEDC’s 3R Initiative supporting local restaurants and retail with targeted aid, placemaking and the new MoCoMarketplace.com, which offers special shopping information, deals, and competitive incentives, all with the goal of encouraging customers to support local businesses while shopping safely. 

Kristopher’s Pizza opened in Poolesville in 2007 and is known for its New York-style pies. The location received a Reopen Montgomery grant which was used to create an outdoor patio and seating area, as well as purchase PPE for staff and some customers. When asked about the new restaurant relief grant, owner Krum Ivanov said, “We can use any help we can to get through this pandemic, as we don’t know how long it is going to last… and everything has gotten more expensive.” 

To apply for the grant, read FAQs and download flyers, please visit http://thinkmoco.com/covid-19-resources/restaurant-relief-grant. Email questions to restaurantrelief@thinkmoco.com. 

ABOUT MCEDC

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 2016, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow and relocate in Montgomery County by helping them gain access to top talent, business and market intelligence and prime locations. For more information, visit our website. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.