National ACE Opens Applications for the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund in Partnership with Grubhub to Help with the Growth and Expansion of AAPI-owned Restaurants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2023
Press Contact:
Emily Fuder
efuder@nationalace.org
National ACE Opens Applications for the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund in Partnership with Grubhub to Help with the Growth and Expansion of AAPI-owned Restaurants
Independent restaurants across the country can apply for a grant up to $50,000 through the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund.
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 14, 2023 -- The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) today announced the third year of the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund to support independent, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned restaurants, a program enabled by a grant from the Grubhub Community Fund. With the industry facing ongoing economic challenges, this funding will allow AAPI restaurateurs to take their business to the next level through development ideas such as infrastructure improvements, e-commerce and technology, employee benefits, and operations streamlining. Ultimately, this will help AAPI entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, secure their futures, and also give back to the life of their neighborhoods by fostering safe and enjoyable places to gather.
“Our AAPI-owned restaurants proved their resilience and now are looking to the future,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. "Grubhub's ongoing commitment to AAPI-owned restaurants is demonstrated by the continuation of this amazing grant opportunity. The grant support from the Grubhub Community Fund will provide AAPI restaurant owners the opportunity to expand their businesses and reach new peaks.”
Eligible restaurants across the country will be able to apply for a $15,000 grant, with grand prizes up to $50,000 awarded live at the National ACE’s #AAPISTRONG Annual Conference in Las Vegas on October 12-13, 2023.
“National ACE has been an incredible partner to Grubhub on the AAPIStrong restaurant grant program and working with us on shared business and policy priorities,” said Dave Tovar, senior vice president of communications & government relations at Grubhub. “Over the years, this program has supported more than 270 AAPI-owned restaurants across the country to both sustain and expand their businesses. Restaurants play a vital role in their communities, and Grubhub is committed to helping them have a positive impact on the people and communities they serve.”
From August 14 to August 28, 2023 or when we reach 2,000 applicants, whichever comes first, the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund will accept grant applications from all AAPI-owned restaurants throughout the United States.
To qualify for grant assistance, AAPI-owned restaurants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
The restaurant must be Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian majority-owned (at least 51%);
Must be based in the United States;
Must be currently operational;
Must be a for-profit business;
Must show proof of their primary licensed activity as “the preparation and serving of food”;
Operates in a single location;
Cannot be a franchise;
Must demonstrate financial need;
Funds must be used towards growth and expansion of the business;
Must demonstrate community impact (i.e. culture/community, hiring, charitable/philanthropic efforts, etc.)
For grand prize finalists, you must be able to attend our Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV on October 12-13. Flight vouchers and hotel accommodations will be provided via National ACE for the three grand prize finalists.
Applications will open the morning of Monday, August 14, 2023 at 12am ET via www.AAPISTRONG.com.
The application period will close on August 28, 2023 or when we reach 2,000 applicants, whichever comes first. Grants will be distributed to restaurants throughout Fall 2023. Interested restaurants can learn more about the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund and the full application process at https://www.aapistrong.com/current-grants
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About National ACE
National ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI business interests and effect positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of AAPI business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. With over 100 affiliate chambers of commerce and AAPI organization partners throughout the country, National ACE strives to support and promote issues that impact the AAPI business community by improving economic development and impact, advancing coalitions and enhancing community building, and fostering the next generation of AAPI entrepreneurs and executives. National ACE provides a unified voice for the business interests of AAPIs nationally. Learn more at: www.nationalace.org.
About Grubhub
Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY, NASDAQ: GRUB), a leading global online food delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting more than 32 million diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 365,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.