Montgomery County and the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg have established a grant fund to support a local restaurant’s ability to operate safely during COVID-19.
One-time grants of up to $15,000 are being provided to support improvements that extend the outdoor dining season and/or expand dining capacity, thereby creating a safe dining experience during the pandemic. The grant program is administered by all three localities with funding provided by the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The Dining Expansion Grant is the fourth grant opportunity offered by the three localities in response to COVID-19. Funds may be used to create, expand or enhance seating capacity (with a focus on outdoor seating) as a result of reduced seating capacity to conform to COVID-19-related health and safety standards. Expenses incurred before March 15, those reimbursed by other federal or state funds, or items not deemed ‘necessary’ are ineligible.
The application deadline for the grants is Nov. 9, 2020.
Full details and the online grant application are available at the following sites: www.blacksburg.gov, www.christiansburg.org/diningexpansion and www.montva.com/diningexpansion.
Each restaurant is allowed only one grant. All expenses must be incurred by Dec. 1, 2020. All expenses related to renting additional space to expand dining capacity can be covered only through Dec. 30, 2020, per CARES Act guidelines.
Grant distribution is scheduled to begin in October or November 2020, but the distribution timeline may vary depending on the locality administering the grant and on demand.
