How to Get Emergency Grants for your Restaurant... and how to spend it.

Whether you have temporarily closed your restaurant or continue to operate, these are incredibly tough and uncertain times for everyone  - but we’re all in this together. In addition to resources on how to cut IT costs, we’ve put together a guide on how to apply for emergency funding for your bar or restaurant and how to use these resources to improve your operations.

What funding is out there?

There are many sources for financial support out there (see links at the bottom of this guide). Our goal is to help restaurants take advantage of these opportunities and understand the guidelines for using those funds. It is important to note that interest payments on many of these loans may be forgiven if used specifically for expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities, or implementing new technologies that support your operations. We’ll share a few ways you can use these funds to invest in technology.

Using funds to invest in your business

Not only can you continue to pay your employees and monthly bills - this is an opportunity to fund technology-related improvements for your business. We are already seeing industry wide shifts in online ordering, contactless payments and “virtual experience” packages being offered by restaurants. When this is all over, customers will be looking to the industry leaders who have continued to innovate.

A few innovative technology trends we’ve seen:

  • Virtual Dining: Many restaurants are innovating to deliver food, beverages, and virtual experiences direct to their customers, without third-party apps. For some ideas check out www.virtualdiningchicago.com

  • “To-Go” Experiences: The popular reservation system, Tock recently launched “Tock To-Go” Experiences. Sell pre-paid meals or packages for pickup or delivery: www.exploretock.com/join/togo

  • Ghost Kitchens: This isn’t a new concept. Prior to the global pandemic, many restaurants started utilizing their kitchen space to offer different types of meals to customers in their area based on data pulled by 3rd party delivery apps. Checkout this guide from the POS company, Upserve: https://upserve.com/restaurant-insider/ghost-restaurant/

  • Curbside Pick-up & Local Delivery: To reduce fees from 3rd Party Delivery apps, restaurant operators are switching in-house ordering. Our friends at Sociavore have developed an internal solution for online ordering direct through your website. Both Square and Shopify have also announced new features to encourage online ordering and contactless pickup.

Invest in “other projects” you’ve been putting off:

  • Upgrade your Wi-Fi: This may involve purchasing new equipment or upgrading speed but will overall ensure your operation runs smoothly with less down-time.

  • POS: As customers change their purchasing behaviors so should your POS. Invest in a cloud-based POS that gives you insight into who your customers are, what they’re buying, how often, and help run a “smarter” more efficient operation.

  • Cameras: Want to view video footage remotely? Want better visibility into what goes on in your operations when you’re not there? Now is a good time to invest in a cloud-based camera system.

  • Audio: There’s nothing worse than a silent bar or restaurant on a Saturday night. Control your playlists and maintain the perfect ambiance for your space with a new audio system.

As your restaurant technology support team we are dedicated to helping restaurants take advantage of the government stimulus packages and use that money to improve their operations. If you have questions or need assistance setting up new technology systems to improve your operations we continue to offer a free consultation. We will help review the options for your bar and restaurant, apply for these loans or grants, and how to allocate those funds when you receive them.

Apply for loans and grants

SBA Loans:

Congress recently passed the CARES Act to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19. Here are some details on the loans that are available through SBA and how to apply. UPDATE: A second round of funding as been passed in hopes of providing more small businesses with loans. Check with a local lender to understand the requirements.

  • 7(a) SBA Loans: The SBA’s primary program for providing financial assistance to small businesses under the Payment Protection Plan. Guarantee percentage and loan amount may vary by the type of loan. Loans must be approved by a local lender. Contact your local representative for assistance.

  • Payment Protection Program (PPP) Loans, CARES Act: A type of 7(a) loan providing cash-flow assistance to employers who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Loans will be forgiven for up to 8 weeks of payroll based on employee retention and salary levels. Loan amounts will be up to 250% of average monthly payroll. Businesses with less than 500 employees per location and in operation on February 15, 2020 are eligible. Loans available through June 30, 2020. Loans must be approved by a local lender.
    Check SBA eligibility or contact your local representative for assistance.

  • SBA Disaster Assistance: UPDATE: These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $1,000 per employee to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

You must apply for these loans through a local SBA lender. Find a local lender to help with your loan application: https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/il/chicago/resources/illinois-lender-list

Illinois Restaurants:

Since we are based out of Chicago we have compiled information for Chicago restaurants. Make sure to check your state website for detailed information that applies to business.

  • Hospitality Emergency Grant Program: Bars/restaurants generating $500k-$1M in revenue in 2019 are eligible for $25,000, those generating less than $500k are eligible for $10,000. This will help support working capital like payroll and rent, as well as job training, retraining, and technology to support shifts in operations, like increased pick-up and delivery. Contact us for a free consultation on using grant money for technology expenses.
    APPLY BY APRIL 1: Click here to apply

  • Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund: Businesses outside the city of Chicago with fewer than 50 employees generating less than $3M in revenue in 2019 are eligible for low interest loans up to $50,000. Loan funds must be used for working capital, and at least 50% of loan proceeds must be applied toward payroll or other eligible compensation, with a commitment to hire or retain at least 50% of a business workforce for six months.
    Applications open April 1. Click here to submit an expression of interest

Additional Resources:


We are here to advise you and support you on your technology investments. If you have any questions on how these government grants can be applied to your restaurant or hospitality business contact us at info@scienceretail.com.

Complete the form below for a free consultation:

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