Minority-owned restaurants can now apply for the newly launched Rising Restaurateur: A Community Grant Program.
Grubhub, Oyate Group and the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association (NYSRBLA) said they will provide $200,000 in microgrants and business development opportunities to New York City Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian American and/or Pacific Islander restaurateurs.
"I am thrilled to see the launch of the Rising Restaurateur program that will uplift Black and Brown owners of restaurants and bars and help them maintain and grow their establishments,” said Sandra Jaquez, president of the NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association.
New York City restaurateurs of color, including owners of brick-and-mortar establishments, food trucks and carts, can apply for microgrants of up to $10,000 to uplift their businesses. Businesses with demonstrated financial need will be prioritized.
Oyate Group and Grubhub have pledged to continue funding the program annually until 2026. Selected participants can also access business development opportunities through the Bronx-based anti-poverty nonprofit, Oyate Group.
“Minority-owned restaurants in New York City are not just the backbone of our local economy but of our communities as well,” said Tomas Ramos, president, CEO and founder of Oyate Group. “Restaurateurs of color exemplify the diversity that makes our city unique and keep that incredible diversity alive through cuisine. This partnership aims to cultivate their business successes, support their staff and ensure sustainability for their restaurants."
To participate, restaurateurs must be Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian American and/or Pacific Islander, based in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens or Westchester County (Mt. Vernon and Yonkers), operating as a single business with 30 or fewer employees and have a revenue of $2 million or less. Members of the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association are encouraged to apply, as $100,000 of the funds are dedicated to NYSRBLA members. Applications are open now from Friday, March 1, 2024 to Tuesday, April 30, 2024. To apply, fill out this form.
For more information about Rising Restaurateur, visit oyategroup.org/rising-restaurateur/.
