Australian restaurants impacted by natural disasters can now apply for funding through the DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund.
In October 2021, DoorDash seeded its Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund with US$1 million to help small businesses in the United States and Puerto Rico recover from natural disasters. The grant recipients use the funding for expenses including payroll for employees, developing a product or service, sourcing or expanding inventory, marketing and advertising, and general operating expenses like utilities or rent.
DoorDash has renewed and built upon this commitment for 2023, providing 100 more US$10,000 grants, expanding eligibility to include restaurants based in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN).
DoorDash general manager for Australia, Puji Fernando said, “The unfortunate truth is Australians are all too familiar with the devastating impact natural disasters such as bushfires and floods can have. At the heart of this initiative is helping small businesses when they need it most. It’s simple – by helping small businesses bounce back, we help local communities bounce back. DoorDash is proud to be launching our Disaster Relief Fund in Australia and offer help to those who need it if disaster strikes.”
To apply for relief, restaurants must have between one and three bricks-and-mortar locations, fewer than 50 employees per location, have been open for at least six months, and have been impacted by an eligible state or federally declared natural disaster.
The 2023 funding cycles take place across numerous rounds with the second round running from July 6 to September 30, 2023, followed by the third round (October 3 to December 31, 2023) and fourth round (January 3 to March 29, 2024).
To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.genglobal.org/grants/restaurant-relief