The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority and Philadelphia recently launched the $12 million Philadelphia COVID-19 Restaurant and Gym Relief Program.
The program assists businesses adversely affected by pandemic-related restrictions enacted in November.
Applications will be accepted starting Thursday through Feb. 9, and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served. Businesses will receive up to $15,000.
Businesses must meet a list of criteria, which include being located in Philadelphia, earned less than $2 million in annual revenue before the pandemic, experienced at least a 25 percent decline in revenue from the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, and be in operation at the time of application or have operated in the last 90 days and intends to be operating again within 90 days.
The grants are open only to gyms, restaurants with indoor dining, and businesses where the primary activity is indoor exercise. They can be a franchise or independently owned.
Priority will be given to businesses that suffered damage in 2020 due to civil unrest; are minority-, woman-, or disabled-owned; or are located in high poverty areas or neighborhoods commercial corridors.
Funding can be used for the business’ operation, COVID-related indoor physical space expenses, personal protective equipment purchases, indoor ventilation improvements, and outdoor winterization.