On March 11, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 created the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide grants for restaurants sustaining financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is administering the program, and will be issuing the necessary federal rules, regulations, and applications before grant funds are distributed.

Restaurant revitalization grants must be used to pay qualifying expenses during the covered period. Any grants not fully utilized in this manner must be returned to the SBA.

Specific expenses that are eligible include:
• Payroll costs
• Mortgage principal & interest payments
• Rent payments (except for prepayments)
• Utilities
• Maintenance costs
• Supplies (including personal protective equipment & cleaning supplies)
• Food & beverage costs
• Covered supplier costs (utilizing the PPP definition)
• Operational expenses
• Paid sick leave

This year the GNYCC was honored to award the following 2021 recipients: Lisa Tuozzolo, Silver Shield Foundation; Shirley Kessel, Miles for Migraine; Patti Kenner, Campus Coach; Elaine Powell, U.S. Small Business Administration; Tanya L. Wilson-Thomas
Gold Star Wife & Employee NYC Dept. of Veteran Services. They were recognized for their outstanding work as great role models for all women to aspire too.

Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

The US Small Business Administration has launched a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
For information on SVOG and to start the grant process application go to:
https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s/


The SVOG program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which appropriated $15 billion for it. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion, bringing the program funding to a total of $16.25 billion, with more than $16 billion allocated for grants

As New York City Mayor, Donovan will again work in partnership with President Biden – ensuring that New York City’s voice is heard in the White House, and that New York’s needs are met.

Shaun Donovan believes that your zip code should not predict your chances for success or how long you live. As a nationally-respected affordable housing expert, he knows it is critical for families to live in fair, safe, and affordable housing and that every neighborhood has equal access to the jobs, opportunities, and benefits New York City has to offer.

Kathryn is running for mayor of New York City to bring the experience and leadership necessary to deliver strong services that improve the everyday lives of New Yorkers and build a more sustainable, equitable city for our future.

Kathryn Garcia is a lifelong New Yorker and former Commissioner of the Department of Sanitation where she led the world’s largest municipal waste management, recycling, street cleaning and snow response agency. A former interim chair and CEO of NYCHA, and COO of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, Kathryn has overseen some of the most ambitious projects and reforms in New York.

Every year the Greater New York Chamber celebrates and honors black lives that have truly impacted America. This year our honorees are James Hendon, Commissioner NYC Dept. of Veteran’s Services; Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Chairman of National Action Network; L. Londell McMillan, Attorney, Publisher & Producer.