SBA Administrator Guzman Announces Application Opening for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)

Fund prioritizes direct relief to women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and includes $9.5 billion in set-asides for smaller businesses

WASHINGTON – SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin registrations on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT (5am AKST) and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon EDT (8am AKST) for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

Preparing for the RRF

In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:

• Register​ ​for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at ​5:00 am
• Learn more about the RRF program through the SBA here
• Get familiar with an RRF sample application here
• Review the RRF guidance:
• RRF Program Guidelines
• RRF Knowledge Base
• RRF FAQs
• Alaska SBDC RRF Overview
• Prepare the required documentation​ for the RRF application – we can help!
• Attend an upcoming live virtual training webinar or check the SBA YouTube after:
  • Wednesday, April 28 at 10:30 am
  • Friday, April 30 at 8:00 am and Friday, April 30 at 1:00 pm

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside: $5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.

How to Apply for the RRF

• Work with ​​a point-of-sale vendor to submit an application
• If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site. ​Current customers can submit applications via Square or Toast
• Clover and NCR/Aloha are participating vendors providing documentation and knowledge support for current customers
• Submit your application online directly at restaurants.sba.gov
• Apply over the phone at (844) 279-9989
• Registration with SAM.gov is not required. DUNS/CAGE identifiers are not required

When to Apply for the RRF

• Women, or
• Veterans, or
• Socially and economically disadvantaged

For more information, visit sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at sba.gov/restaurantes.