We looked at the Restaurant Revitalization Fund draft application. Here’s what you need to know. The Small Business Administration is fleshing out details of its $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund ahead of what it said would be a late April launch — complete with what appears to be a draft of the proposed application for business…

In a meeting with restaurant owners co-hosted by the Association, representatives of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) reported on their efforts to prepare for the launch of applications for the $28.6B Restaurant Revitalization Fund. This program provides grants to independent restaurant owners for the difference between their revenue in 2020 and 2019 and can…

The State Budget was finalized earlier this month. The highlight of the budget this year is the $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant program that will be administered by the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). The grants can be used to cover various business costs including payroll; rent or mortgage payments; payment of…

New York has legalized the adult use of cannabis and begun what is expected to be an 18 month or longer process to allow the growth, production, and sale of marijuana for recreational use. The law sets up the Office of Cannabis Management and provides the framework for how the legal marijuana market will operate…

The Association raised objection to split case fees starting in 2017. These split case fees, which started at less than $1.00 per case when first instituted, are supposed to compensate wholesalers for the additional cost of breaking up a case to sell the bottles individually (not including delivery which is charged separately). But the wholesalers…

New York bars, restaurants can remain open until midnight beginning Monday Jon Campbell Lohud April 14, 2021 3:49 PM ALBANY – Restaurants and bars across New York will soon be able to remain open an hour later as the state moves to slightly ease a curfew that has been in place for months. On Monday, bars and…

Join us for a Zoom webinar with the US Small Business Association on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Apr 13, 2021 10:00 – 11:00 am Register in advance for this webinar by clicking anywhere in the image below After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar

New York State updated the public health restrictions and emergency authority for certain activities this week. According to an announcement from the Governor’s Office, the following have been extended: Alcohol-to-Go 11 pm Curfew Food service required with first alcoholic drink Flexibility for outdoor dining areas Capacity limits (50% in NYS – 75% in rest of…

New York State has legalized the adult use of cannabis and begun what is expected to be an 18 month or longer process to allow the growth, production, and sale of marijuana for recreational use. The law sets up the Office of Cannabis Management and provides the framework for how the legal marijuana market will…

Senator Chuck Schumer brought encouraging news to the industry during our call on Tuesday, March 30th. He reported on his conversations with the new head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and addressed key questions from industry representatives. According to Senator Schumer, the SBA plans to begin accepting applications late in April and to begin…

The American Rescue Plan (ARP), shepherded through the Senate by Majority Leader Schumer was signed into law by President Biden on March 12th. The ARP includes the $28.6B Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which allows for grants equal to the pandemic-related loss of each eligible entity, up to $10 million per entity, or $5 million per physical…

The State Assembly and State Senate have adopted their one house budget proposals setting the stage for final budget negotiations. We’ve been advocating for substantial funds for small business relief to be included in these proposals, with a pool of funds specifically designated for our industry – and we were not disappointed. Both the Assembly…