How to use this page: the quick answer and the numbers below give you the real scope of restaurant funding in under two minutes. From there, jump via the pill nav to whichever program fits -- the permanent tax credit almost every operator underclaims (Section 45B), the lapsed-but-worth-tracking hiring credit (WOTC), or the actual cash grants (corporate grants) -- or skip straight to the worked two-location example to see four real programs stacked at once.
The most valuable and accessible federal program for restaurants in 2026 is the Section 45B FICA tip credit -- a permanent income tax credit that recovers 7.65% of all tips above the minimum wage threshold. A restaurant paying $600,000 in tips annually should be claiming approximately $42,000 per year in credit. Most independent restaurant operators either don't claim it or claim it incorrectly. Layered on top: the Work Opportunity Tax Credit ($1,200–$9,600 per qualifying hire, currently lapsed pending reauthorization -- see below) for the target-group employees restaurants disproportionately hire, and Section 48E for restaurant energy system investments. For cash grants, corporate programs through restaurant platforms and foundations, plus state small business development programs, are the practical sources -- the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund was a one-time COVID response and has not been reauthorized.
171 US funding programs list Food & Beverage among their eligible industries in GrantCompass's eligibility-mapped catalog of 631 programs (July 2026): 65 grants, 50 loans, 37 technical-assistance/consulting programs, 15 tax credits, and 4 competitive awards. By level, 53 are state-run, 51 are private, 50 are federal, and 87 -- about half -- are open in all 50 states. Among the 131 programs with a stated dollar ceiling, the median is $50,000; the largest is $150 million (a New Jersey manufacturing tax credit that happens to list Food & Beverage among eligible NAICS codes, not a program built for a single restaurant). Use the breakdown below to see where your business fits, then jump to the worked example of a two-location fast-casual restaurant stacking four of these programs at once.
171 programs are open to restaurants and food-service businesses -- by the numbers
"Food & Beverage" is one of ten industry buckets in GrantCompass's eligibility-mapped catalog -- 171 of 631 mapped programs (about 27%) list it among their eligible industries, spanning federal tax credits, corporate and foundation grants, state and municipal programs, and SBA financing. That 171 is narrower than the "660+" total programs GrantCompass tracks site-wide (630+ have been mapped for detailed industry/state eligibility so far); it's the count specific to restaurants and food-service businesses, not the whole catalog. The numbers below are computed directly from the catalog, so you can see the real scope before the misinformation and the honest RRF history below.
Funding-type mix: grants lead, but SBA-style loans are close behind
- Grants 65 · 38%
- Loans 50 · 29%
- Consulting / TA 37 · 22%
- Tax credits 15 · 9%
- Awards 4 · 2%
Grants are the largest slice -- but that includes federal programs most restaurants aren't eligible for (USDA meat-processing and farm grants that share the Food & Beverage bucket) alongside the corporate and foundation grants built specifically for restaurant operators. Loans (SBA 7(a)/504/microloan/CAPLines, state loan-participation funds) are close behind. Tax credits are a small slice by count -- but include Section 45B, which delivers more real dollars to a typical full-service restaurant than most of the grants combined.
Who runs restaurant funding: states and private funders lead, federal is close behind
87 of the 171 (51%) are available in all 50 states rather than gated to a single state -- most of the federal tax credits and SBA loan programs fall in that nationwide group, alongside national corporate programs like Grubhub- and Toast-partnered grants.
Award sizes: most restaurant-eligible awards are modest -- the giant figures aren't for restaurants
Over half of the 131 dollar-denominated programs (58%) top out under $100,000 -- the realistic range for most independent and small-chain restaurants. The five programs over $10M are almost entirely SBA/USDA loan-guarantee ceilings and state tax-credit or credit-initiative programs sized for large employers or lenders, not single-restaurant grants -- see the honest reality check below.
Quick eligibility reference: 10 restaurant programs at a glance
Every mechanism discussed on this page in one table -- what it is, what gates it, and how you actually get it.
| Program | Level | Type | Key gate | How you get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 45B FICA tip credit | Federal | Tax credit | Food/beverage employer with voluntarily-tipped employees | Entitlement -- claim on Form 8846 |
| WOTC | Federal | Tax credit | Hires from 10 target groups; lapsed since Jan 1, 2026 | Form 8850 within 28 days -- still file during the lapse |
| Section 48E | Federal | Tax credit | Owns the building or the energy property | Entitlement -- claim on Form 3468 |
| NGLCC–Grubhub Community Impact Grant | Private | Grant | Independent restaurant partnered with Grubhub | Competitive application; $5,000–$25,000 |
| Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant | Private | Grant | Independently owned restaurant, no ownership-category restriction | Competitive application; $50,000 |
| James Beard Foundation grants | Private | Grant | Culinary/community-notable independent operators | Annual application cycles; $2,500–$50,000 |
| CDBG-funded facade/storefront grants | Municipal | Grant | Restaurant in a designated commercial district (varies by city) | Apply through city economic development office; $5,000–$90,000 |
| SBA 7(a) loan | Federal | Loan | General SBA size standards | Apply through a Preferred Lender bank; up to $5,000,000 |
| SBA Microloan | Federal | Loan | Startups and small operators; intermediary-lender based | Apply through a nonprofit intermediary lender; up to $50,000 |
| State economic development grants | State | Grant | Varies -- restaurants compete alongside other industries | Apply through your state economic development agency; $5,000–$100,000 |
How these numbers were computed: from GrantCompass's eligibility-mapped catalog (eligibility-map-us.json, 631 programs, 10 industry buckets: Aerospace & Defense, Agriculture, Clean Energy & Environment, Construction & Trades, Food & Beverage, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Retail & Consumer, Services & Professional, Software & Tech). We filtered to the 171 programs listing "Food & Beverage" in industryBuckets, then grouped by fundingType (grant/loan/tax-credit/program/award, with program treated as "consulting/TA") and by level (federal/state/private/municipal/foundation). Median and the award-size histogram use the 131 records with a numeric amount field; the all-states count is programs whose states array contains "all". Grant, loan, and credit facts named in the prose below are drawn from this catalog or verified directly against sba.gov, irs.gov, and dol.gov -- see the citations in each section.
The honest restaurant funding landscape in 2026
Is there a federal restaurant grant in 2026? No -- here's what actually exists
No. There is no dedicated federal grant program for restaurants in 2026. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) -- the COVID-era program created by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 -- stopped accepting applications in 2021 and is officially closed; the SBA's own RRF page states plainly that "applications are now closed," restaurants that received awards had until March 11, 2023 to use the funds, and the agency's site shows no indication of reauthorization or a successor program (sba.gov, verified July 2026). Congress has introduced RRF-replenishment bills multiple times since 2021; none has passed. Anyone searching "restaurant revitalization fund 2026" or seeing an ad claiming a new federal restaurant grant program is looking at outdated information or a scam -- see the red flags below. What actually exists in 2026: permanent federal tax credits (Section 45B, Section 48E), a currently lapsed hiring credit (WOTC -- see below), and a shifting set of corporate, foundation, and state/local grant programs, all covered in full on this page.
Restaurant owners searching for grants often encounter two categories of frustration: programs that no longer exist (the Restaurant Revitalization Fund), and programs that exist but aren't actually grants (SBA loans marketed as "restaurant grants"). Understanding the real map matters more than optimism about programs that closed two years ago.
The practical 2026 landscape for restaurant funding breaks into three categories:
- Federal tax benefits -- permanent programs embedded in the tax code that benefit restaurants disproportionately: Section 45B FICA tip credit, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, Section 48E for energy investments, and Section 179D for building efficiency improvements. These are not grants -- they reduce tax liability or generate refundable credits. But the dollar impact for a typical full-service restaurant is often larger than any grant program that actually exists.
- Corporate grant programs -- private-sector programs funded by restaurant platforms, food industry companies, and hospitality associations. These are real grants, but amounts are typically modest ($1,000 to $50,000), highly competitive, and frequently change program status. The James Beard Foundation, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, and specific platform grant programs are the primary sources.
- State and local small business programs -- general-purpose economic development grants administered by state agencies and city/county governments. Restaurants are eligible alongside other businesses, with no industry advantage. CDBG-funded commercial district improvement programs and urban economic development grants are the practical access points.
Here's what you need to know about the restaurant funding landscape: the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) closed in May 2021, distributed $28.6 billion to roughly 100,000 restaurants, and has not been reauthorized by Congress. The SBA processed more than 300,000 applications but ran out of funds; recipients had until March 11, 2023 to use their awarded funds, and the program is now archived on sba.gov with applications shown as closed. Legislation to replenish the RRF has been introduced multiple times and has not passed. As of July 2026, there is no active federal restaurant grant program with meaningful availability. Any search result claiming otherwise is either outdated or confusing loan products with grants. The permanent federal programs that exist -- Section 45B, Section 48E, and (once reauthorized) WOTC -- are the real story for restaurant finances in 2026.
| Source | Type | Typical value | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 45B FICA Tip Credit | Federal tax credit (permanent) | $35,000–$80,000+/yr | Tax return (Form 8846) |
| Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) | Federal tax credit (permanent) | $1,200–$9,600/hire | State workforce agency certification + Form 5884 |
| Section 48E for energy systems | Federal tax credit | 30% of project cost | Tax return |
| Corporate restaurant grants | Private grant (competitive) | $1,000–$50,000 | Application to corporate programs |
| State small business grants | State grant (competitive) | $5,000–$100,000 | State economic development agencies |
| SBA 7(a) loan | Federal loan (up to $5M) | Up to $5,000,000 | SBA-approved lender |
| James Beard Foundation grants | Private grant (competitive) | $2,500–$50,000 | Foundation application cycles |
How to spot a fake restaurant grant offer
"Restaurant grants" is a big enough search term that it draws real advertising money from people selling nothing real. Restaurant owners report a steady stream of Facebook and TikTok ads, unsolicited texts, and cold calls promising "free government grant money" for restaurants -- almost always a variation on the same scam the Federal Trade Commission has documented for years under government grant scams. None of the real programs on this page work that way. Here's how to tell the difference in under a minute.
Red flag: any fee to "apply," "process," or "unlock" funds
Every real program on this page -- Section 45B, WOTC, James Beard Foundation grants, corporate platform grants, state economic development grants -- is free to apply for. If a "grant" requires a credit card number to release funds, it's a scam.
Red flag: unsolicited text message or cold call
The IRS, SBA, USDA, and state economic development agencies do not text or cold-call restaurant owners about grant eligibility. Legitimate outreach comes from a program you applied to, not the other way around.
Red flag: a non-.gov domain claiming to be a federal program
Federal programs live on .gov domains -- sba.gov, irs.gov, usda.gov, dol.gov. A "restaurant grant" site on a .com, .net, or .info domain that mimics government branding is not a federal program, regardless of the seals and flags on the page.
Red flag: urgency plus a request for your SSN or bank account number
"Apply in the next 24 hours or lose your spot" paired with a request for a Social Security number or full bank details before any real application exists is the classic combination the FTC's enforcement actions describe -- including a 2022 case that specifically targeted small-business owners with false grant promises.
Red flag: claims that the Restaurant Revitalization Fund reopened
The RRF closed in 2021 and has not been reauthorized (see above, verified against sba.gov). Any ad or email claiming a new RRF round or a "2026 federal restaurant relief fund" is trading on a program that no longer exists.
What to do instead
Go straight to the primary source: sba.gov, irs.gov, your state economic development agency's official site, or the foundation/platform's own domain (jamesbeard.org, grubhub.com/foundation). If you've already paid or shared information with a scam operation, report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Section 45B FICA tip credit: the most underclaimed restaurant benefit
Section 45B of the Internal Revenue Code is a federal income tax credit specifically for food and beverage employers. It is permanent law. It has been in the tax code since 1993. And a large portion of qualifying restaurant operators either don't claim it or leave money on the table by calculating it incorrectly.
How the credit works
The credit equals the employer's FICA tax (Social Security + Medicare = 7.65%) on tips paid to employees in excess of the amount that would generate the federal minimum wage. In practice: the federal cash wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour. Any amount that brings total hourly compensation above $7.25 (the federal minimum wage) is the "excess" that generates the Section 45B credit. Since tips at most full-service restaurants exceed the $7.25 total threshold many times over, the overwhelming majority of tips generate the full 7.65% credit.
Here's what you need to know about Section 45B calculation: for most full-service restaurants, the credit is effectively 7.65% of all tips paid to employees. The technical formula subtracts the tipped minimum wage hours from the credit base, but since the federal tipped minimum wage ($2.13) plus typical tips puts total compensation well above $7.25 per hour for most servers, the base wage deduction is negligible. A restaurant where servers earn an average of $25/hour in total compensation has already cleared the $7.25 threshold with just the cash wage, meaning all tips flow through to the credit base. For cash wage states (California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and others where employers pay full minimum wage to tipped employees regardless of tips), the formula is identical -- the employer is paying FICA on the same tip amounts regardless of state wage law.
What a typical restaurant can expect
| Restaurant type | Estimated annual tips | Approximate Section 45B credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual dining (single location, $3M revenue) | $300,000 | ~$22,000 | Tips ~10% of food + bev revenue at casual service |
| Fine dining (single location, $3M revenue) | $480,000 | ~$35,000 | Tips ~16% at fine dining; higher check averages |
| Bar-forward restaurant (single location) | $600,000 | ~$44,000 | Higher tip percentages on bar sales; high-volume bartenders |
| Multi-location casual dining group (5 units) | $1,500,000 | ~$110,000 | Credit aggregates across all employer FICA payments |
Claiming the credit: IRS Form 8846
Section 45B is claimed on IRS Form 8846 (Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on Certain Employee Tips), attached to the employer's federal income tax return. The credit is a general business credit and offsets regular income tax liability. If the credit exceeds current-year tax liability, it can be carried back one year or carried forward twenty years. Notably, the employer cannot also deduct the tip wages against income -- the employer chooses between the credit (Section 45B) and the deduction (claiming employer FICA payments on tip wages as a business expense). At a 21% corporate tax rate, the 7.65% credit is worth more than the deduction for most operators.
Expert Deep-Dive: Section 45B compliance and common errors
Error 1: Forgetting to collect and report tip data accurately. The Section 45B credit requires solid records of tips actually received by employees. Employers are required to withhold FICA on reported tips -- and the credit is based on the FICA actually paid. If tipped employees are systematically underreporting tips (a common issue in cash-heavy environments), the employer is paying less FICA on tips, generating less credit, and has a separate compliance exposure. IRS Publication 531 and the Tip Reporting Alternative Commitment (TRAC) agreement program with the IRS can help establish systematic tip reporting that maximizes both compliance and credit accuracy.
Error 2: Failing to claim the credit on S-Corp or partnership returns. Many independent restaurants operate as pass-through entities (S-Corps, LLCs taxed as partnerships). The Section 45B credit flows through to owners' personal returns. If the business tax preparer doesn't claim the credit on the business return (Form 8846) and pass it through on K-1s, owners never see it. Ask your tax preparer explicitly: "Are we claiming Section 45B on our business return this year?"
Error 3: Claiming the credit AND deducting the same tip wages. The employer cannot double-dip -- claim the Section 45B credit on FICA paid on tip wages AND deduct those same FICA payments as a business expense. The employer must reduce their FICA expense deduction by the amount of the credit. Tax preparers who don't understand Section 45B sometimes claim the deduction and ignore the credit. The credit is worth more: 7.65 cents on the dollar against income tax, versus 21 cents on the dollar × 7.65 cents = about 1.6 cents as a deduction at a 21% tax rate. The credit wins every time.
Error 4: Missing the credit in years with net operating losses. Even if your restaurant has a net operating loss in a given year and pays no income tax, the Section 45B credit can be carried back one year (generating a refund from a profitable prior year) or forward twenty years. Don't assume that a loss year means no credit value.
Working with tip pools and service charges. Mandatory service charges (automatic gratuities added to large party checks, service fees added to all checks) are not tips for Section 45B purposes -- they are wages paid by the employer, fully subject to FICA, but not the type of "tip" that generates the Section 45B credit. Only voluntary tips -- amounts employees receive directly from customers as gratuities -- count. Restaurants that have shifted to no-tipping service charge models lose Section 45B credit access. This is one of the economic trade-offs of eliminating tipping that operators sometimes don't model before implementing the change.
Section 45B is the most important federal tax program most independent restaurant operators don't fully use. A restaurant with $500,000 in tip volume should be claiming roughly $35,000–$38,000 per year in credit. That's the equivalent of a significant grant -- but it's a permanent entitlement based on payroll you're already running.
The IRS processes approximately 30,000 Form 8846 returns annually -- but there are an estimated 500,000+ full-service restaurants in the US where tips are customary. The gap between filers and eligible operators is enormous. The barrier is almost entirely awareness and tax preparer familiarity with the specific credit.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): $1,200 to $9,600 per qualifying hire -- currently lapsed
WOTC status as of July 2026: lapsed since January 1, pending reauthorization. WOTC's statutory authorization expired December 31, 2025 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and Congress had not reauthorized it as of this writing. Employees who start work on or after January 1, 2026 do not currently generate a credit. The Department of Labor has instructed State Workforce Agencies to keep accepting and date-stamping Form 8850 submissions during the lapse without issuing certifications (DOL ETA guidance, TEGL 09-25) -- so restaurant employers should keep screening every new hire and filing on the normal 28-day schedule rather than stopping. WOTC has lapsed and been retroactively reauthorized several times before, most recently a roughly 13-month gap from January 2015 to December 2015 fixed by the PATH Act. The bipartisan Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act (S. 3265 / H.R. 6231), introduced November 2025, would extend WOTC five years and raise the standard rate to 50% if passed. See the full, continuously updated WOTC status and target-group guide for sources and the lapse-history table.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal income tax credit available to employers who hire from specific target groups -- people who face documented barriers to employment. Restaurants are among the most active WOTC claimants in the country because their hiring patterns align naturally with the target-group population: high-volume, entry-level hiring with turnover rates that generate new credit opportunities frequently. The amounts below describe what the credit pays when it is active -- confirm current authorization status before building it into a 2026 tax projection.
WOTC target groups and credit amounts
| Target group | 1st-year wages included | Maximum credit | Minimum hours worked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP (food stamps) recipients | $6,000 | $2,400 | 400 hrs (full credit) / 120 hrs (reduced) |
| Qualified veterans (unemployed 4+ weeks) | $6,000–$14,000 | $2,400–$5,600 | 400 hrs |
| Qualified veterans (unemployed 6+ months) | $14,000 | $5,600 | 400 hrs |
| Vocational rehab referrals | $6,000 | $2,400 | 400 hrs |
| Ex-felons (within 1 yr of conviction/release) | $6,000 | $2,400 | 400 hrs |
| Long-term unemployment recipients (27+ weeks) | $6,000 | $2,400 | 400 hrs |
| SSI recipients | $6,000 | $2,400 | 400 hrs |
| Long-term TANF recipients | $10,000 (1st yr) + $10,000 (2nd yr) | $9,000 total | 400 hrs |
Here's what you need to know about WOTC and restaurants: the 28-day paperwork rule is the most common reason restaurant operators lose the credit they've earned. IRS Form 8850 (the pre-screening notice) and ETA Form 9061 (the individual characteristics form) must be submitted to your state's workforce agency within 28 calendar days of the new hire's first day of work. Not 28 business days. Calendar days. Many restaurant operators discover WOTC after hiring -- but the submission deadline has passed. The solution is to make WOTC pre-screening a standard part of your new hire paperwork, administered on or before the first day of work for every new employee. Third-party WOTC screening services (offered by ADP, Paychex, Gusto, and specialized WOTC vendors) can automate this process for $5-15 per employee screened, and the credit they capture typically far exceeds the service fee at restaurants with significant hiring volume.
WOTC for restaurants: the volume opportunity (once reauthorized)
A restaurant with annual turnover of 60 employees -- common for a mid-size independent operator -- might have 15 to 25 employees from WOTC target groups in any given year. At an average credit of $2,400 per qualifying hire, that's $36,000 to $60,000 in annual WOTC credit when the program is authorized. The credit is claimed on IRS Form 5884 and flows through the employer's tax return like Section 45B. Stack both on the same return for the full combined benefit. During the current lapse, those dollars are on hold, not gone -- keep screening and filing Form 8850 for every new hire so that a retroactive reauthorization (the pattern after every past WOTC lapse) can be claimed for hires made throughout 2026.
Federal energy tax credits for restaurant buildings and equipment
Commercial restaurants are significant energy consumers -- commercial kitchens are among the most energy-intensive per-square-foot operations in any building category. Federal energy tax programs apply to qualifying investments in energy systems and building efficiency.
Section 48E: Investment Tax Credit for restaurant energy systems
The Section 48E Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit provides a credit equal to 30% of the cost of qualifying clean energy systems installed at a commercial property, including restaurants. Qualifying systems include solar panels on restaurant buildings or parking structures, battery storage systems for demand charge management, geothermal heat pump systems replacing traditional HVAC, and fuel cells. The 30% rate requires prevailing wage and apprenticeship compliance for projects over 1 MW; restaurant rooftop solar projects are almost universally under 1 MW and may qualify for 30% without that requirement. Consult tax counsel on the prevailing wage documentation requirement for your specific project size.
| System type | Restaurant applicability | Credit rate | Typical project size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rooftop solar PV | Strong -- owned-building restaurants with roof access | 30% | $30,000 – $200,000 |
| Battery storage (standalone) | Good -- high demand charge restaurants in commercial utility territories | 30% | $25,000 – $150,000 |
| Geothermal HVAC | Situational -- viable where ground loop installation is practical | 30% | $50,000 – $250,000 |
| Fuel cell system | Limited -- high capital cost, better for large commissaries or multi-unit campuses | 30% | $200,000+ |
Section 179D: commercial building energy efficiency deduction
Section 179D provides a tax deduction -- not a credit -- of up to $5.65 per square foot for commercial buildings (including restaurants) achieving at least 25% energy savings over the ASHRAE 90.1 baseline standard. The full deduction rate requires prevailing wage compliance on the installed work. Qualifying improvements include energy-efficient HVAC replacement, commercial LED lighting upgrades, and building envelope improvements (insulation, windows). A 4,000-square-foot restaurant that qualifies for the full $5.65 deduction could claim a $22,600 deduction -- worth approximately $4,700 in reduced federal income tax at a 21% corporate rate. Not transformative, but material when combined with other programs.
Here's what you need to know about energy tax credits for restaurants: leased restaurants face a structural limitation. Section 48E applies to property owned by the taxpayer claiming the credit -- if your restaurant operates in a leased space, the landlord owns the roof and the building systems, and the landlord claims energy credits on installations to that property. Tenants can sometimes negotiate a landlord-tenant energy improvement arrangement where the landlord makes the investment and passes through some credit benefit via reduced rent, but this is the exception. Restaurant operators who own their building location have full access to energy credits; operators who lease need to negotiate with landlords or focus on equipment-based improvements within the leased space.
Corporate restaurant grant programs: the realistic sources of cash grants
In the absence of a federal restaurant grant program, the practical source of competitive cash grants for independent restaurants in 2026 is the private sector -- restaurant platforms, financial institutions, food industry companies, and hospitality associations that fund grant programs for independent operators. These programs are real, but they are modest in scale, competitive, and change program status frequently.
Named, currently-tracked corporate and foundation restaurant grants
These are drawn directly from GrantCompass's eligibility-mapped catalog rather than general reputation -- exact current amounts, so you can compare them against any offer that lands in your inbox.
| Program | Amount | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGLCC–Grubhub Community Impact Grant Program | $5,000–$25,000 | All 50 states | Grubhub-partnered; distinct from the Grubhub Community Relief Fund described above |
| Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program | $50,000 | All 50 states | No ownership-category restriction; targets small, independently owned restaurants |
| Toast Changemakers Program | $10,000 | All 50 states | Run by Toast (restaurant POS platform); for-profit restaurants |
| Feed the Soul Foundation Restaurant Business Development Program | $15,000 in services | All 50 states | In-kind business development support, not a cash grant |
| DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund | $5,000–$10,000 | All 50 states | Opens after federally declared disasters; for-profit, DoorDash-partnered |
| Restaurants Care Resilience Fund | $5,000 | California only | California Restaurant Association Foundation program |
| New York Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program | $25,000–$50,000 | New York only | For NY craft beverage producers and beverage-forward restaurant/bar concepts |
Every one of these has a public application on the funder's own domain -- no processing fee, no unsolicited text message. That's the practical test described in the scam-alert section above: a real restaurant grant is free to apply for and findable directly on the funder's website.
James Beard Foundation: the highest-prestige program
The James Beard Foundation operates grant and scholarship programs for restaurant professionals and independent restaurant operators, funded through private contributions and corporate partnerships. Grant programs historically include emergency relief grants, business development grants, and diversity-focused programs for women and underrepresented restaurant owners. Award amounts have ranged from $2,500 to $50,000 in recent cycles. Applications open through the Foundation's website (jamesbeard.org) with cycles typically announced annually. The application process is narrative and portfolio-based -- culinary vision, community impact, and business viability are the core criteria. Operators with established culinary reputations and documented community engagement fare better than newer restaurants without a presence in the culinary community.
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)
The NRAEF funds scholarship programs for food service industry workers and grant programs supporting restaurant workforce development. Individual restaurant grants are less common through NRAEF; scholarship support for employees pursuing culinary and hospitality education is the primary output. For restaurant operators focused on workforce investment, NRAEF resources -- including ProStart for high school programs and scholarship funds for employees -- represent reputational and retention value even if not a direct grant to the business.
Grubhub Community Relief Fund
Grubhub has operated relief fund grant programs for independent restaurant partners facing financial hardship. Award amounts have ranged from $1,000 to $15,000 in past cycles. Program availability depends on funding availability -- the program is not continuously open. Follow Grubhub's announcement channels and the Grubhub Foundation (grubhub.com/foundation) for current program status. Eligibility has typically required active partnership with the Grubhub platform.
State and local restaurant association programs
Major metropolitan restaurant associations operate grant programs funded through membership dues, private contributions, and in some cases local government partnerships:
- New York City Hospitality Alliance -- runs periodic grant cycles for NYC independent food service operators, particularly during economic hardship periods. Has also administered city-funded programs targeting BIPOC-owned restaurants.
- Illinois Restaurant Association -- has operated grant programs in coordination with state economic development funding, targeting independent Illinois restaurants and food entrepreneurs.
- California Restaurant Association -- member services and occasional grant partnerships; state-level CDLAC and EDA programs are the primary grant source for California restaurants alongside CRA resources.
- Texas Restaurant Association -- regional foundation grant programs; amounts are typically small but applications are open to all TRA members.
Contact your state and local restaurant association directly to ask about current grant programs and upcoming cycles. These programs tend to be announced primarily through association membership channels rather than broad public outreach.
State and local grant programs restaurants can access
Restaurants are eligible for general small business grant programs at the state and local level alongside businesses in other industries. Industry-specific restaurant programs are rare at the state level; the primary avenue is eligibility within broader small business development grant programs.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for commercial districts
CDBG funds administered by local governments often include commercial facade improvement programs, small business loan pools, and in some jurisdictions, operating capital grants for businesses in designated commercial corridors. Restaurants located in CDBG-eligible commercial districts -- typically lower-income or distressed commercial areas -- can access these programs for building improvements, equipment, and signage. Contact your city or county economic development office to ask whether your address falls within a CDBG-funded commercial improvement area and what programs are currently active.
These aren't hypothetical -- GrantCompass's catalog tracks specific, currently-active examples in major restaurant markets:
| Program | City | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| DC Great Streets Retail Small Business Grant | Washington, DC | Up to $90,000 |
| Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund | Chicago, IL | Up to $250,000 |
| Detroit Motor City Match | Detroit, MI | Up to $100,000 |
| Phoenix Business Grant Program | Phoenix, AZ | Up to $25,000 |
| New Orleans Façade RENEW Plus Program | New Orleans, LA | 85% reimbursement, up to $50K per 50 linear ft |
| SF Shines Storefront Improvement Grant | San Francisco, CA | Up to $10,000 |
| Baltimore Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) | Baltimore, MD | Up to $5,000 (1:1 match) |
These are city-specific -- check whether your restaurant's address falls in the eligible district before assuming access. Every state hub on GrantCompass surfaces the state and local programs active in that state, including facade and commercial-district grants like these.
State economic development grant programs
Most states have small business grant programs administered through their economic development agency, department of commerce, or designated small business development organization. These programs typically award $5,000 to $100,000 per business, are competitive, and do not restrict eligibility by industry. Restaurant operators compete alongside retail, service, and manufacturing businesses. Priority criteria vary: some states prioritize rural businesses, others prioritize women- and minority-owned businesses, others prioritize businesses in specific geographic zones (enterprise zones, opportunity zones, main street districts). Check your state economic development agency's grant calendar quarterly -- these programs open and close frequently and are not always well publicized.
Minority- and women-owned restaurant programs
Several programs specifically serve restaurant owners from underrepresented backgrounds:
- USDA Socially Disadvantaged Farmer/Rancher programs -- rural food businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals receive additional scoring preference in USDA grant programs including VAPG and REAP
- SBA 8(a) Business Development Program -- restaurants owned by socially disadvantaged individuals can pursue 8(a) certification, which provides access to sole-source federal contracts (relevant primarily for restaurants operating cafeteria or food service contracts for federal facilities)
- State MWBE certification -- minority- and women-owned business enterprise certification opens access to set-aside state procurement contracts for food service, including government cafeteria operations and catering contracts, which can provide predictable revenue alongside grant eligibility preferences
SBA loans for restaurants: the capital access reality
Grants for restaurants are scarce. The practical capital source for restaurant investment -- expansion, equipment, renovation, acquisition -- is SBA loan programs, which offer more favorable terms than conventional commercial lending for a business category that commercial banks often view as high-risk.
SBA 7(a): the primary restaurant loan
The SBA 7(a) loan is the broadest federal financing tool for restaurants. Uses include: working capital, equipment purchase, kitchen renovation, leasehold improvements, refinancing of existing business debt, and business acquisition. Maximum loan amount: $5 million. Terms up to 10 years for equipment and working capital; up to 25 years for real estate.
Here's what you need to know about SBA 7(a) loans for restaurants: restaurants are among the most scrutinized categories for SBA lenders. The restaurant industry has one of the highest small business failure rates -- roughly 60% of restaurants close within the first year, and about 80% within five years. SBA-approved lenders know this and require documentation that directly addresses the risk: three years of business tax returns (or projected financials for startups), a detailed business plan with market analysis, proof of management and culinary experience, and ideally a demonstrated track record of profitable operations. New restaurant concepts without an operating history are harder to approve than established restaurants with documented cash flow. An SBA Preferred Lender (PLP bank) can process the guarantee in 2-3 weeks for experienced operators with strong documentation; non-PLP lenders add SBA review time of 4-6 weeks.
SBA Community Advantage: for underserved markets
SBA Community Advantage loans -- made by SBA-approved mission-based lenders (CDFIs, community development organizations) -- reach up to $350,000 and target small businesses in underserved markets that don't qualify for conventional bank lending. Restaurants in low-income areas, women- and minority-owned restaurants with limited credit history, and food businesses in rural communities are the primary beneficiaries. Community Advantage lenders evaluate applications with greater flexibility than commercial banks -- business plan quality and owner character are weighted alongside financial metrics. Find Community Advantage lenders through the SBA lender match tool (lendermatch.sba.gov).
SBA Microloan: for smaller equipment and working-capital needs
For financing needs under $50,000 -- a used commercial oven, a point-of-sale system, first-month inventory for a second location -- the SBA Microloan Program is often a better fit than 7(a) or Community Advantage. Microloans are made through nonprofit intermediary lenders rather than banks, which makes them more accessible to newer restaurant concepts without years of tax returns to show. See the full SBA microloan guide for current terms, intermediary-lender directories, and how microloan terms compare to 7(a) and Community Advantage.
For an independent restaurant operator in 2026, the highest-value financial strategy is stacking Section 45B, WOTC (once reauthorized), and Section 48E (if energy investment is planned) -- then using the resulting tax savings to build the documented cash flow that makes SBA 7(a) financing accessible for the next growth project.
A restaurant with $500K in tips, 40 qualifying WOTC hires annually, and a $100K solar installation could generate $35K-$38K from Section 45B + $60K-$80K from WOTC (once reauthorized) + $30K from the energy credit = $125K-$148K in combined annual tax credits and credit-equivalent savings. That's the capital equivalent of a meaningful SBA loan, built from programs that are already available under current law.
Worked scenario: what a two-location fast-casual restaurant would actually stack
Here is a concrete example using only real, currently-tracked programs described above. Basecamp Bowls is a hypothetical fast-casual concept with two locations, 28 employees combined, and no prior claim of any of the credits below. It doesn't have the tip volume of a full-service restaurant, but four programs already covered on this page still stack cleanly for an operator exactly like this one.
Section 45B FICA tip credit
~$6,000–$9,000/yrCounter service plus a tip line on card payments and delivery-driver tips generates roughly $90,000–$120,000 in reported tips across both locations -- smaller than a full-service operator's volume, but the same 7.65% credit applies to every dollar of it.
WOTC (screen now, claim on reauthorization)
$2,400–$9,600 per qualifying hireWith 28 employees across two counter-service locations and typical fast-casual turnover, Basecamp likely has several hires per year from WOTC target groups. Filing Form 8850 within 28 days of each hire now preserves the credit for when Congress reauthorizes the program.
NGLCC–Grubhub Community Impact Grant
$5,000–$25,000Basecamp does active delivery volume through Grubhub -- exactly the kind of platform-partnered independent restaurant this grant program targets. A real, competitive application with no fee.
SBA Microloan
Up to $50,000Financing the build-out of a third location's kitchen line -- point-of-sale hardware, a used combi oven, initial inventory -- through a nonprofit intermediary lender, without needing three years of tax returns from a still-young second location.
The fifth layer: if Basecamp's locations sit in a CDBG-eligible commercial district -- common for storefronts on older main streets -- a municipal facade or storefront-improvement grant like the ones in the state and local table above stacks directly on top, typically $5,000 to $90,000 depending on the city. And if either location is in California, the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund ($5,000) is a fifth real, no-fee option worth checking.
None of these four require winning a national competition or giving up equity -- 45B is an entitlement credit, WOTC is a hiring-paperwork credit currently paused (not gone), the Grubhub grant is a modest competitive application on the platform's own site, and the SBA Microloan is a financing structure through a nonprofit lender. This is also a useful contrast against the scam pattern above: every one of these four is free to apply for and verifiable directly on the funder's own domain.
Your situation, specifically
If you're an established independent restaurant that has never claimed Section 45B
Your most urgent priority is establishing whether your prior-year tax returns properly claimed Section 45B. Ask your tax preparer: "Did we file IRS Form 8846 for last year? And the year before?" If not, you may be able to file amended returns for up to three prior years to recapture missed credits. For a restaurant with $400,000 in annual tip volume, three years of unclaimed Section 45B credit is approximately $90,000 in recoverable tax credits. The amended return process takes time and typically requires working with a CPA familiar with employer-side tax credits, but the ROI is significant. Going forward, make Section 45B filing a non-negotiable part of your annual tax return preparation -- not an afterthought, but a confirmed line item every year.
If you're a high-turnover restaurant operator looking to reduce hiring costs
Your WOTC opportunity is directly proportional to your hiring volume. A restaurant with 70+ new hires per year and significant turnover in entry-level positions is hiring from the WOTC target population regularly without knowing it. Implement a WOTC pre-screening program into your onboarding immediately: add IRS Form 8850 to your new hire packet, establish a process for submitting to your state workforce agency within 28 calendar days, and consider partnering with a third-party WOTC screening service if you don't have HR infrastructure to manage submissions manually. At 20-30 qualifying hires annually at $2,400 average credit, that's $48,000-$72,000 in recurring annual tax credits -- more than most restaurant grant programs ever offered on a one-time basis.
If you're an independent restaurant owner seeking a cash grant for a specific project
Your realistic path to a cash grant depends on your profile. If you are a woman or minority restaurant owner, the James Beard Foundation grant programs and local restaurant association equity-focused programs are your strongest lead. If your restaurant is in a designated commercial district or CDBG-eligible area, contact your city's economic development office about facade and improvement programs. If your concept has a culinary or community cultural dimension, James Beard Foundation eligibility is worth exploring seriously. If you have no restaurant association membership, join your state association immediately -- most association grant programs require membership, and dues are often under $500 annually.
Be realistic about timelines: grant applications for restaurant programs typically take 3-6 months from application to decision. Plan accordingly -- a cash grant should not be the primary funding source for anything time-sensitive. SBA financing with the tax credits stacked on top is a more predictable path for capital needs with a defined schedule.
If you own the building your restaurant operates in and are investing in energy efficiency
Section 48E is your primary opportunity: 30% of the cost of qualifying clean energy installations on your building. Rooftop solar, battery storage for demand charge management, and geothermal HVAC are the most commonly applicable systems for restaurant building owners. Coordinate the Section 48E credit with MACRS bonus depreciation on the same property (the credit reduces depreciable basis, but the combination of 30% credit + accelerated depreciation still outperforms depreciation alone). If the energy efficiency improvements are to building systems (HVAC, lighting, insulation) rather than clean energy generation, evaluate Section 179D deduction eligibility with your tax preparer. Building owners in states with strong net metering policies (California, Massachusetts, New York) can also model the cash flow benefit of solar against utility cost reduction to assess the economic case independent of the credit.
Decision tree: where do you start?
Restaurant funding starting point
IF YES → Section 45B FICA tip credit is your first priority. Ask your tax preparer if Form 8846 was filed for prior years. If not, evaluate amended returns. Going forward, confirm Form 8846 is included annually. $35K-$80K+ per year for typical full-service restaurants.
IF NO (fast casual, counter service, no-tipping model) → Section 45B doesn't apply directly, though a tip line on card payments or delivery-driver tips may still generate a smaller credit -- see the worked example. Continue.
IF YES (10+ new hires/year) → Implement WOTC pre-screening immediately -- even though the credit is currently lapsed (see WOTC status), keep filing Form 8850 within 28 calendar days of every hire so a retroactive reauthorization can be claimed. $1,200–$9,600 per qualifying hire once active. Third-party screening service recommended for 20+ hires/year.
IF NO (low-turnover operation) → Screen anyway -- even 2-3 qualifying hires per year is meaningful credit once WOTC is reauthorized.
IF YES, and you OWN the building → Section 48E for qualifying clean energy systems (30% credit). Section 179D for building energy efficiency improvements (up to $5.65/sqft deduction). Stack both if applicable systems are different (solar PV + LED lighting + HVAC).
IF YES, and you LEASE the space → Section 48E doesn't apply to leasehold improvements unless you own the energy property (e.g., portable battery units). Negotiate with landlord for energy improvement with rent credit. Focus on equipment-level efficiency within your leasehold.
IF YES, and you're a culinary/community-notable independent → James Beard Foundation programs. Local restaurant association grants. State minority/women business programs if applicable.
IF YES, and you're a delivery-platform partner or POS customer → Check the named corporate grants above -- NGLCC–Grubhub ($5K–$25K), Toast Changemakers ($10K), DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief ($5K–$10K after declared disasters) -- all free to apply for on the funder's own site.
IF YES, and you're in a commercial district or low-income area → Local CDBG-funded commercial improvement programs through your city economic development office -- see real examples by city.
IF YES, and you need significant capital ($100K+) → No grant program reliably fills this need post-RRF. SBA 7(a) loan through a Preferred Lender bank or Community Advantage lender is the realistic path.
IF an offer arrives via unsolicited text or asks for a fee upfront → Stop -- see the scam red flags before providing any information.
Common mistakes restaurant owners make with funding
Most of the money left on the table by restaurant operators isn't lost to competition or scams -- it's lost to these avoidable errors, each drawn from the programs covered above.
Never claiming Section 45B at all
The IRS processes roughly 30,000 Form 8846 returns a year against an estimated 500,000+ full-service restaurants where tips are customary. Ask your preparer directly whether it was filed -- for the last three years, not just this one.
Assuming fast-casual or counter-service means no Section 45B
Any voluntary tip -- a tip line on a card reader, a tip jar, delivery-driver gratuities -- generates the credit. It's smaller than a full-service restaurant's, but it isn't zero. See the worked example.
Stopping WOTC screening because the credit is lapsed
Every prior WOTC lapse has ended in retroactive reauthorization. Employers who kept filing Form 8850 during past gaps could claim the backlog immediately; employers who stopped had nothing to claim. Keep screening.
Confusing service charges with tips
Mandatory service charges and automatic gratuities on large parties are wages, not tips, for Section 45B purposes -- restaurants that shifted to no-tipping service-charge models lose access to the credit on that revenue.
Paying a fee to "apply" for any grant on this page
None of the real programs above -- federal, corporate, or municipal -- charge an application fee. If a grant "opportunity" asks for payment before funding, it's the scam pattern described above, not a real program.
Treating the RRF as something to wait for
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund closed in 2021 and multiple replenishment bills have failed to pass since. Building a 2026 capital plan around its return means building around a program that, as of this writing, does not exist.
Skipping the SBA Microloan for small equipment needs
Owners chasing a $5M 7(a) loan sometimes overlook the SBA Microloan (up to $50,000, nonprofit intermediary lenders) for exactly the used-equipment or first-location build-out need that doesn't require three years of tax returns.
Not checking whether your address is in a CDBG or facade-grant district
Facade and storefront grants ($5,000–$90,000 in the examples above) are geographically gated and easy to miss if you've never asked your city's economic development office directly.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Restaurant Revitalization Fund still available?
No. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund was a one-time COVID-era program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It distributed approximately $28.6 billion to eligible restaurants before exhausting its funding in May 2021; recipients had until March 11, 2023 to use awarded funds. The SBA received more than 300,000 applications and was unable to fund the majority, and the SBA's own RRF page confirms applications remain closed with no successor program (sba.gov, verified July 2026). Legislation to replenish the program has been introduced multiple times in Congress but has not been enacted as of July 2026. There is no active federal restaurant grant program with significant availability in 2026. The programs described on this page -- Section 45B, WOTC, Section 48E, and private-sector programs -- are the realistic current landscape.
How much is the Section 45B FICA tip credit worth for my restaurant?
The credit equals 7.65% of tips paid to employees above the minimum wage threshold. For most full-service restaurants, this is effectively 7.65% of all reported tip income. A restaurant where employees receive $500,000 in tips annually can expect approximately $38,000 in credit. A restaurant with $800,000 in tip volume can expect approximately $60,000. The credit is claimed on IRS Form 8846 and reduces federal income tax liability. It cannot be claimed AND deducted -- the employer reduces their FICA expense deduction by the credit amount. At a 21% corporate tax rate, the credit (7.65%) is more valuable than the deduction (21% × 7.65% = ~1.6%).
Is WOTC available for restaurants right now, in 2026?
Not currently. WOTC's statutory authorization expired December 31, 2025, and as of July 2026 Congress had not reauthorized it -- employees who start work on or after January 1, 2026 do not currently generate a credit. The Department of Labor has told State Workforce Agencies to keep accepting Form 8850 submissions during the lapse without issuing certifications, so restaurant employers should keep screening and filing on the normal 28-day schedule. WOTC has lapsed and been retroactively reauthorized several times in its history (most recently a 13-month gap resolved by the PATH Act of 2015), and a bipartisan reauthorization bill (S. 3265 / H.R. 6231) was pending as of July 2026. See the full WOTC status guide for sources and updates.
What is WOTC and how do I make sure I'm claiming it once it's reauthorized?
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal income tax credit for employers who hire from target groups including SNAP recipients, veterans, ex-felons, long-term unemployment recipients, and SSI recipients. Credit amounts range from $1,200 to $9,600 per qualifying hire when the program is authorized. To claim: the employee must complete IRS Form 8850 (pre-screening notice) on or before their first day of work, and the employer must submit Form 8850 plus ETA Form 9061 to the state workforce agency within 28 calendar days of the hire date. This deadline is the most commonly missed requirement, and it applies during the current lapse too -- filing now preserves the paper trail for a retroactive claim. The credit is then claimed on IRS Form 5884 on the employer's annual tax return. Automate this with your onboarding process -- every new employee, every hire, regardless of whether you think they qualify. Let the state agency screen for eligibility.
How do I spot a fake restaurant grant offer?
Real restaurant grants never ask for money upfront, never arrive via unsolicited text message or cold call, and are always administered through a .gov domain, an established foundation, or a named corporate program with a public application. The FTC documents this exact pattern under government grant scams: an ad or text promises "free grant money," then charges a processing fee, sells a worthless "grant guide," or harvests your Social Security number and bank details under the guise of checking eligibility. If a "restaurant grant" asks you to pay before any real application exists, or claims the Restaurant Revitalization Fund has reopened, treat it as a scam -- see the full red-flag list above.
How many US funding programs are open to restaurants and food-service businesses?
171 US funding programs list Food & Beverage among their eligible industries in GrantCompass's eligibility-mapped catalog of 631 programs (July 2026) -- 65 grants, 50 loans, 37 technical-assistance/consulting programs, 15 tax credits, and 4 competitive awards. By level, 53 are state-run, 51 are private, 50 are federal, 11 are municipal, and 6 are foundation-run; 87, about half, are available in all 50 states. Among the 131 programs with a stated dollar ceiling, the median is $50,000. The largest single figure is $150 million (a New Jersey manufacturing tax credit that happens to list Food & Beverage among its eligible NAICS codes) -- not a program built for a single restaurant. See the full breakdown above.
Can a restaurant qualify for the Section 48E clean energy credit?
Yes, if the restaurant owns the building or the energy property. Section 48E provides a credit of 30% of the cost of qualifying clean energy systems installed at commercial properties, including restaurant buildings. Eligible systems include rooftop solar, battery storage, geothermal heat pump HVAC, and fuel cells. Restaurants that lease their space can qualify if they own the energy property outright (e.g., a solar lease arrangement does not qualify -- the leasing company claims the credit). The 30% rate requires prevailing wage compliance for projects over 1 MW; restaurant installations are typically well under this threshold and qualify without that requirement. The credit is claimed on IRS Form 3468.
What are the best SBA loans for restaurant owners?
The SBA 7(a) loan is the primary option -- up to $5 million, flexible use of funds (equipment, renovation, working capital, acquisition), and up to 25 years for real estate purposes. SBA 7(a) is more accessible than conventional commercial loans for restaurants because the SBA guarantee reduces lender risk. For restaurant operators with limited credit history or in underserved markets, the SBA Community Advantage loan (through CDFIs and mission-based lenders, up to $350,000) is often more accessible. Restaurants buying their building should evaluate SBA 504/CDC (10% down, fixed rate, up to $5.5M SBA debenture). Find SBA lenders at lendermatch.sba.gov.
Does the Section 45B credit apply if my state requires paying full minimum wage to tipped employees?
Yes. Section 45B applies regardless of state wage law. Even in states where employers must pay tipped employees the full state minimum wage (California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Alaska), the employer is still paying FICA on the tips employees receive from customers. The federal formula subtracts an amount based on the $2.13 federal tipped minimum wage, not the state minimum wage -- so in states with higher minimum wages, the credit base can actually be somewhat smaller (because a larger portion of total compensation is attributed to wages rather than tips), but the credit still applies to the remaining tip income. Confirm the specific calculation with your tax preparer for your state.
Adjacent guides worth reading next
This page covers the restaurant-specific funding landscape. These guides go deeper on mechanisms that apply to restaurants alongside every other small business -- worth a dedicated read once you've narrowed down which one fits.
WOTC Status & Guide
The continuously updated lapse status, the full 10 target-group table, the 28-day certification workflow, and the lapse-and-reauthorization history -- the source for everything WOTC-related on this page.
SBA Microloan Guide
Current loan terms, the nonprofit intermediary-lender model, and how the SBA Microloan compares to 7(a) and Community Advantage for a restaurant's smaller equipment and working-capital needs.
Easiest Small Business Grants
A sortable, filterable ranked list of the lowest-friction grants in GrantCompass's catalog -- useful for a restaurant owner who wants the fastest realistic win rather than the largest possible award.
Small Business Microgrants
The full list of $500-$10,000 microgrants across the catalog -- many of the corporate and foundation programs named on this page (Toast, DoorDash, Restaurants Care) sit in this range.
If your restaurant is opening a second or third location in one of the country's biggest restaurant markets, start with your state hub for the full localized incentive stack alongside the federal programs above: Texas, New York, and Florida each combine a deep restaurant and hospitality base with their own state grant and loan programs.
Find every state and local grant your restaurant qualifies for.
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