This is a partial list of COVID-19 resources, programs and funds available to hospitality businesses and employees in the US. The situation is constantly shifting, but all have been verified as of publication.
National COVID-19 Resources
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans relief to businesses with a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as the continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loans
SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide
This is a pilot program enabling qualified businesses to apply for immediate funding while waiting for the longer-term EIDL, described above.
https://www.sba.gov/document/support–express-bridge-loan-pilot-program-guide
SBA Debt Relief
The SBA will pay six months of principal, interest, and associated fees for qualifying loans. Borrowers do not need to apply for this assistance. It will be automatically provided for qualifying loans.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-debt-relief
United States Bartender Guild
The USBG maintains a website containing a state by state list of resources available bartenders, waitpeople, and bar owners.
https://www.usbg.org/resources/guild-list
Another Round, Another Rally
This is a nonprofit organization that provides a financial resource for the hospitality industry through a grant program and educational scholarships. There is a current backlog of applications.
https://anotherroundanotherrally.org/apply-for-aid/
Virtual Tip Jars
There are many sites inviting people to donate a tip to an unemployed restaurant worker via Venmo or Paypal
State-Level COVID-19 Resources & Support
Each state differs in the types of assistance offered to the Hospitality Industry.
Alabama
AL Hospitality Workers Relief Fund
Provides financial support to Alabama hospitality workers facing hardship due to COVID.
https://www.arhaonline.com/al-hospitality-workers-relief-fund.html
California
The California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research makes available a number of resources for guidance and assistance.
Delaware
Delaware has launched the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) to provide immediate financial assistance and unemployment assistance to businesses and employees affected by the outbreak.
https://business.delaware.gov/coronavirus/#section1
Ohio
Ohio Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
The Fund provides one-time emergency funding for personnel in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry that are affected by COVID-19.
Illinois
Grants up to $15,000 available to hospitality businesses including restaurants, bars, and hotels
Kentucky
The Lee Initiative, a program implemented by Chef Edward Lee with funding from Maker’s Mark, offers a number of relief options to restaurant workers and support to restaurant owners nationwide.
https://leeinitiative.org/restaurant-reboot-relief-program/
Louisiana
South Louisiana Bar Owners Relief Fund
Small grants are available to bar owners and other small businesses affected by the outbreak.
https://www.louisianahospitalityfoundation.org/barfund/
Tennessee
Offers up to $1,000 in grants to qualified hospitality workers. Businesses may apply for grants on behalf of employees.
https://tnactionforhospitality.com/apply