West Plains Chamber promotes restaurant grant program

AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The West Plains Chamber of Commerce is promoting a pair or programs designed to help area businesses deal with impacts of COVID-19.

The first is to alert area restaurant owners to a revitalization grant program coming soon. The American Rescue Plan package passed by Congress in March includes a $25 billion grant program designed to provide relief to food and beverage establishments hit hard by pandemic-related revenue losses. The grants will cover up to $5 million in revenue loss per location.

Grant funds came be used for a number of business related expenses such as payroll, mortgage and rent, utilities, supplies, food and beverage expenses, paid sick leave for employees and operational expenses.

The Small Business Administration is expected to begin taking applications for this grant program in May. The Washington Hospitality Association is working with SBA on information and guidance for restaurants to assist in the application process.

The Chamber is also encouraging businesses to reach out to their lenders to pursue the Paycheck Protection Plan. The deadline for applications has been extended through the end of May, 2021, but funding is expected to run out at the end of April.

Information on the PPP is available on the Small Business Association’s website.

Finally, the Chamber is working to assist businesses to get their employees vaccinated against COVID-19 as well as their family members through creating the opportunity for mobile vaccinations – enabling employees and their families to fit appointments within their work schedule.

Current availability is for a business location within 100 miles of Spokane who have a minimum of 30 employees and family members interested in receiving the vaccine. According to a news release, the Chamber will work with these businesses in schedule both vaccination dates so employees and their families can receive the first and second doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

If interested, contact the Chamber and provide your company name, primary contact name, phone number and email. Questions are also welcome.

 

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