UPDATE 4/14: Facebook Announces $100M Small Business Grant Program
UPDATE 4/9: US Bank is now accepting PPP applications from everyone. Apply Here.
Did it feel like the walls were closing in? Like everything you have worked so hard for over the years was about to get pulled out from under you? I know that cutting our last commission and payroll checks to staff on March 20th, on top of asking my team to stay together until the money starts flowing again, was the hardest thing I have ever done as an entrepreneur and leader. With overwhelming support, my team told me, “we are with you”. It is enough to make anyone cry tears of hope and joy.
I gave myself 48 hours to binge television and ice cream before sitting back down and getting to work for you, our restaurant clients, because we are all in this together and the most important thing I can be doing is finding ways to help each other.
With that in mind, my team and I started calling every hotel to get a handle on occupancy both last week and this week. I am pleased to report that despite what you hear in the news of closures, most hotels are still running an average range of 7-20% occupancy depending on city and state. That means there are still hotel guests that need to know where to go eat!
With tourism being at a standstill and the new normal being take-out, delivery, and curbside service, the entire food, and beverage community will prevail and carry on embracing the challenges of each day with determination, smiles and overall sense of pride that we are marching the hospitality industry into a new era together.
As you know, Where To Eat Guide’s revenue stream comes directly from restaurants, and so for us, it was an instant game-changer to see zero revenue coming through the door. However, we are adapting quickly and will still be here to make sure travelers and locals find the best locally-owned restaurants. In light of this, we want to make sure you have all the resources you need at your fingertips.
Here are some recommendations for restaurants:
- Read Up!
- Get Emergency Funds! CARES Act added enhancements to the Emergency Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs allowing you to receive a cash advance up to $10,000 that may be totally unforgivable. Apply here.
- Secure your lender. Banks and SBA approved institutions will be handling the different loan options under the new CARES Act. Reach out to your local SBA lender to set an appointment as soon as April 3rd. Find an SBA lender in your area for the Paycheck Protection Program. This link will provide a full list of banks accepting applications.
- Get Ready! Read over and fill out this application. Get your tax documents filings together for the last 3-5 years, P&Ls, Balance Statements and you will likely need a business plan to show what the COVID-19 crisis created a revenue loss and how you will use the loan monies.
- Don’t Wait! Stay on top of your loan applications. Call the SBA Customer Service line after you have filled out the online EIDL to see what else you can be doing to get your cash advance. SBA Customer Service Line 1-800-659-2955.
TYPES OF LOANS UPDATED (4/6/2020): New SBDC Resource: SBA Coronavirus Pandemic Loans Comparison Guide
If you would like to speak with me directly, I am always available to answer any questions for our current, past or future restaurant clients. You can reach me directly at 877-503-1266 or Jason@TheEatGuide.com. You may also book an appointment directly on my calendar at https://jasonstaats.youcanbook.me/
Sincerely,
Jason Staats
President/CEO
Where To Eat Guide & Associates
