Seattle to give out $5 million in grants to struggling restaurants, hospitality workers
Dec 4, 2020, 3:49 PM | Updated: Dec 7, 2020, 6:42 am
Murals and paintings from local artists cover the side of businesses and restaurants in Seattle closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Meili Cady/KIRO Radio)
(Meili Cady/KIRO Radio)
Seattle leaders announced Friday that the city will be introducing a new relief package on Monday, which would distribute $5 million in new grants for struggling restaurants, bars, and hospitality workers.
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The money will be split down the middle between food service and hospitality workers, with $2.5 million going to each industry. For money given to restaurants and bars, the city will choose from those who have already applied for funds from the Small Business Stabilization Fund, comprising a pool of roughly 1,100 businesses. Restaurants and bars that get awarded this money will also still be eligible for an additional $10,000 grant too.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is crippling our small business community, and local restaurants and bars are doing their part to stem the spread of the virus as we all endure this unprecedented challenge,” Seattle Restaurants United Executive Director Jessica Tousignant said in a written release. “I am glad to see the City stepping up and providing immediate relief.”
For the remaining $2.5 million set aside for hospitality workers, that will be available for any applicants who can “demonstrate that they have been financially impacted by the pandemic, whether that’s through a layoff or a reduction in hours.” Assistance will top out at $1,000 per person, with higher amounts available for “those who are housing insecure.”
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Restaurants have been especially vocal about the negative effect the pandemic has had on them in the wake of new restrictions from Gov. Jay Inslee that limit them exclusively to outdoor dining and takeout service.
The hope from Seattle city leaders is to relieve some of that financial pressure.
“Members of the restaurant industry and their families are carrying the heavy financial burdens of this pandemic,” Council President Lorena Gonzalez said Friday.
This proposal will be presented as a budget action item in Seattle City Council on Monday, Dec. 7.
