GSMP, SBDC partnering to guide food & beverage businesses and entertainment venues on new COVID grant funding

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP), in partnership with the Texas State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will jointly offer a webinar on how to access the recently announced Restaurant Restoration Fund (RRF) and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG).

The webinar, entitled “Current COVID-19 Relief Programs/Grants”, will be offered at no cost on Thursday, May 27, from 9-10 a.m. Presenting will be Jeremy David, SBDC COVID business advisor.

Developed as part of the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act, the RRF and SVOG programs will provide food and beverage businesses and entertainment venues with funding to recover from their pandemic-related revenue losses.

Recipients of these grant funds are not required to repay the funding as long as the funds are properly used within a specific time period.

“While there is a lot of online help for businesses considering applying, many business owners need the extra guidance and the opportunity to ask questions that a webinar format affords them,” said Barbara Thomason, director of workforce development for the Greater San Marcos Partnership. “We want businesses in central Texas that have been impacted by COVID to secure needed funding to help ensure a more secure future.”

On top of RRF and SVOG programs, the webinar will also cover Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) updates, and tax credits for small businesses, as well as other financial questions that can impact a business’ survival probability.

The RRF is being disbursed now and those not wanting to wait for the webinar may seek help by going to sba.gov/local-assistance.

The SVOG is also being disbursed now. Information and assistance are available at sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant and at getsvog.com.

To register for the May 27^th webinar, participants can register in advance at cutt.ly/RRFWebinar.