MONDAY, MAY 3

Submit Your Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application Starting at 11:00 a.m. Today

Starting at 11:00 a.m. today, restaurant and foodservice operations can apply for a grant through the $28.6B Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Applicants must register with SBA in order to submit an application (unless you are applying through your point-of-sale vendor). We encourage all operators to apply as soon as the application is live, as there will likely not be enough funds to fulfill every application with the current round of funding. For the first 21 days, the fund prioritizes applications from women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and reserves $9.5 billion for smaller businesses. The IRA is actively working alongside the National Restaurant Association and our state restaurant association partners to urge Congress to replenish the RRF when funds are depleted. Click here to review a new step by step guide to applications from the National Restaurant Association Click here to review the updated FAQ sheet from the National Restaurant Association. Click here to watch the recording of the IRA's recent webinar on RRF with Bo Steiner, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois District Office. SBA recommends that operators familiarize themselves with the application process to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by: Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov. Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, knowledge base/frequently asked questions, and application sample. Preparing the required documentation. Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants.sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens on Monday, May 3 at 11:00 a.m. (Central) (Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.) Please contact the SBA RRF support hotline at (844) 279-8898 with questions about applying.

Suburban Cook County Restaurant Worker Vaccination Days - Every Monday in May

The IRA is proud to partner with Cook County on Restaurant Worker Vaccination Days starting today, Monday, May 3 at various locations in suburban Cook County. The events will be ongoing every Monday throughout May. Vaccinations are free, regardless of insurance or immigration status.  Click here to make an appointment, or visit one of the county's walk-in vaccination sites. Click here to read more about the initiative from Chicago Sun-Times.

Virtual Springfield Lobby Day Rescheduled to Monday, May 17 The IRA's Virtual Springfield Lobby Day has been rescheduled to Monday, May 17. Attendees will meet with state Representatives and Senators about legislative and regulatory issues of concern to Illinois' restaurant and hospitality industry - including the need for the state to maintain a safe and steady path to reopening and recovery.  Registration is complimentary, and the schedule of meetings will be made available closer to the event.  Click here to register, and contact Matt Quinn for more information.

Webinar Today on Updates to Chicago Reopening Regulations The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) will host a webinar today, Monday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m., to review the new regulations and what businesses should plan for when the city reaches the Chicago Bridge Phase. Click here to register. Click here to read the city of Chicago's updated Phase 4 guidelines. Click here to review the full updated capacity limits by industry, including the prospective Chicago Bridge Phase guidelines that may be reached in the next two weeks.

Let Us Know About Your Mother's Day Specials Are you having Mother's Day specials at your restaurant? Let the IRA know and we'll promote it across our social media channels. Email Matt Quinn with a description, website link, and image to promote the special.

Please visit our website for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 10:15 a.m. on Monday, May 3.

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