Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
The USBG is offering a grant program to provide financial assistance to those suffering lost revenue due to COVID-19. This grant is meant only for individuals (not businesses) and servers may apply if your place of work holds a full liquor license and you serve alcoholic beverages as part of your job. Grants are typically awarded in 4 to 6 weeks. Applications can be submitted online (only) and can be found at the link above.
Southern Smoke
Southern Smoke Foundation provides funding to individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis. Southern Smoke is accepting grant applications from restaurant owners and service industry workers who are dealing with closed businesses or significant declines in revenue due to COVID-19.
One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
OFW is providing assistance to restaurant workers, delivery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers — who are seeing their income decline during this disaster, or aren’t able to work because of quarantines or other health concerns. Upon completing the online form, an organizer from One Fair Wage will reach out to you within 7-10 days.
Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation Crisis Relief Fund
The formal application process for crisis relief through the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation is administrated by Southern Smoke (see above.) Please visit the Southern Smoke website to apply for assistance.
Florida Reemployment Assistance
If your employment has been negatively impacted because of mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance (formerly known as unemployment compensation.)
US Sommelier Emergency Fund
This fund is specifically dedicated for restaurant sommeliers who have lost wages due to COVID-19 in the United States. If selected, they will call you for a 5-10 minute interview. Applicants are eligible for grants of $250, $500, and $1,000 that will be awarded to those determined by the board to be of the greatest need.
All Faiths Food Bank
All Faiths Food Bank’s mobile pantry program continues as scheduled. Find a food program at the link above. AFFB has partnered with Sarasota County Food and Nutrition Services to provide meals to children and families affected by the temporary school closures. Visit the link above to view food pick up locations.
2-1-1
Access 2-1-1 Human Services by phone, email, chat or text (just text your zip code to 898-211). Reaching out will get you connected to a multilingual 2-1-1 specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations providing critical services. The Season of Sharing Campaign helps individuals and families on the verge of homelessness and 2-1-1 is the starting point for this service.
Children of Restaurant Employees (C.O.R.E.)
CORE offers assistance to hospitality industry families that have been diagnosed with COVID-19. If a family qualifies for CORE support, they may receive a grant to cover medical bills for children, gas cards, groceries, clothing, medical supplies and therapies, utilities, rent and mortgage, and other essential needs a family might need to navigate their specific circumstance. Apply online at the link above.
NEW* City of Sarasota Small Business and Safety Assistance Grant Program
In response to the COVID-19 impact on local businesses, the City of Sarasota is preparing emergency stabilization grant applications in the amount of $5,000 to eligible City of Sarasota independently owned and operated small businesses, that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting from governmental orders to close or limit operations. The City’s goal is to provide critical support to restaurants, bars, retail, and service-based businesses across our City.
