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Amata explains new federal assistance option for restaurants

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Source: Media release from Cong. Uifaatali Amata's office

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting a new federal assistance option for American Samoa’s restaurants available now through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

This is an assistance option that was passed by Congress in the most recent COVID response legislation, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and became available through a Small Business Administration (SBA) portal just this week. 

 “Our restaurants endured headwinds this year, such as no tourists or travelers, shorter hours, temporary shutdowns, carry out only at times, or less seating due to spacing requirements between customers,” Amata said. “This fund is intended to replace resulting losses. If you are a food provider, you can explore this option and see if it’s right for your restaurant.”

Restaurants can apply through the SBA at https://restaurants.sba.gov/

Restaurants and similar food providers qualify to apply. These can be any style or type of restaurant that provides food, to include a food stand/truck, caterer, bar, tavern or pub, bakery, or brewery.

Congress has made up to $28.6 billion available nationwide in this SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Restaurants can apply for funding covering up to their entire pandemic-related losses. 

Notably, this assistance will not have to be repaid as long as the funding is properly directed to eligible uses before March 11, 2023.