The U.S. Small Business Administration expects to open the Restaurant Revitalization Fund in early April for applications from restaurants and bars owned by women, veterans, and socially or economically disadvantaged people. The SBA also confirmed that restaurants do NOT need to register with SAM.gov or obtain a DUNS number, as was previously reported by multiple news outlets.

The $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) aims to provide restaurants with grants equal to their COVID-related revenue loss of up to $5 million per restaurant location or up to $10 million per entity.

The American Rescue Plan Act, which authorized the RRF, requires that women, minorities, and veterans receive priority during the first 21 days of the application period. The SBA said that other restaurant owners may apply in phases during the ensuing 30-45 days.

Grant funds may be used to pay for rent, mortgage payments, payroll, utilities, normal supplies, maintenance, and other essential operating expenses. Prepayments are not allowed. The covered period runs from February 15, 2020 to December 31, 2021, or a date otherwise determined by the SBA.

Application instructions will be shared when the information is released. The National Restaurant Association has published a guide that can found here.