Financial Assistance Supplements Forthcoming Restaurant Relief Microgrants Program
(Washington, DC) – May 1, 2020 – Today, Events DC, Washington DC’s official convention and sports authority, finalized its programs for the hotel and restaurant relief funds. The $5 million hotel relief package provides support to qualified DC lodging businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the restaurant relief program totaling $5 million will focus on supporting qualified District-based restaurants.
This relief is part of the greater $18 million hospitality and tourism package that was approved by the Board last month to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full package includes $5 million for undocumented workers across Washington, DC and $3 million dedicated to destination marketing efforts with the focus first on bringing domestic visitors back to DC.
“This hotel and restaurant relief package is one step forward in helping our industry get back on its feet. We recognize the critical importance of this sector to our local economy and that is why Events DC has prioritized the urgent need to deploy this desperately needed funding. It is our hope that this funding can provide a pathway for these businesses to reopen and support their employees,” said Max Brown, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Events DC.
For the restaurant relief program, Events DC collaborated with the Office of Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington on the implementation and management of the program. Specifically, Events DC will support and enhance the Mayor Bowser’s Small Business Microgrant program, directing our funds to support the restaurant sector applications, totaling over $4 million. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington will help administer the program on Events DC’s behalf.
Through the Events DC’s hotel relief program, eligible businesses may receive a minimum grant award on a per room/key basis towards worker salaries, benefits and certain operating costs. Events DC will start its outreach to hotels today. To qualify, you must own or operate a hotel, bed and breakfast, inn or motel located in DC. Boarding houses, hostels, rooming houses and buildings under construction are not eligible. For additional questions or information on the hotel relief program, email: reliefprogram@eventsdc.com.
“We appreciate the commitment of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, the Hotel and Restaurant Associations as well as our team for their swift work in building this comprehensive program,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC. “Their tireless efforts represent an important component in building back an ever-stronger city and hospitality and tourism sector.”
Details on the undocumented worker relief program will be forthcoming.
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About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKCampus.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the Entertainment and Sports Arena (www.ESAontheRise.com), all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.
