DoorDash, in collaboration with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), has recently announced $440,000 in grant funding through the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund for the year 2023. This initiative offers $10,000 relief grants to restaurants affected by natural disasters or emergencies not only in the United States but also, for the first time, in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Facing adversity with resilience, natural disasters can wreak havoc on local communities, making the rebuilding process a daunting task. To aid communities and businesses in responding to such challenges, DoorDash established the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund in 2021. The fund’s relief grants are intended to cover essential operating expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, replenishing food or beverage supplies, and settling bills and other costs. This year, DoorDash renewed the fund to provide a total of $1,000,000 to 100 restaurants in $10,000 grants across four rounds in 2023 and 2024.
Since its inception in 2021, the fund has been a crucial support system for local businesses across the United States, aiding in their recovery and reconstruction efforts. In 2023, DoorDash collaborated with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) to extend eligibility to restaurants based in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for the first time. This expansion underscores DoorDash’s dedication to empowering local economies and bolstering small businesses.
Announcing the recipients for the 2023 Spring and Summer funding rounds, DoorDash is proud to reveal that relief grants have been allocated to 44 local restaurants, comprising 34 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 6 in Canada, and 4 in New Zealand. The grants will assist these restaurants in recovering from disasters such as the recent Maui and Yellowknife wildfires, Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, and Cyclone Gabrielle. This announcement coincides with Global Entrepreneurship Week, a movement aimed at celebrating, empowering, and supporting entrepreneurs.
Here are some of the restaurants receiving grants:
- Langdon Street Tavern in Montpelier, Vermont: Following severe flash flooding in Vermont in July, Langdon Street Tavern faced extensive damage. The grant helped the owners replace damaged furniture and equipment.
- The Scotch Creek Hub in Scotch Creek, British Columbia: Devastated by wildfires in August, the Scotch Creek Hub had to temporarily close during its peak season. The grant will support additional staffing and marketing efforts crucial to keeping the restaurant operational.
- Stoked Bar & Grill in Whitianga, New Zealand: Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage to this restaurant in February, forcing it to shut down temporarily. The grant aided in covering urgent bills and expenses to facilitate reopening.
Colleen Magne from Langdon Street Tavern expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “This grant didn’t just help us bounce back from the devastating flooding; it has also helped our local community get back on its feet.”
DoorDash’s Head of Social Impact, Sueli Shaw, emphasized the purpose behind the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, stating, “We created the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund to help the communities we serve when they need it the most.”
Restaurant owners have until December 31, 2023, to apply for the current round of funding. The next and final funding round opens on January 2, 2024, and closes on March 29, 2024. Owners can apply up to one year after a qualifying disaster occurs. For more information and to apply, please visit the DoorDash
