DoorDash’s Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund offers emergency funding, with grants of $5,000 to $15,000 to small, independent restaurants affected by government-declared natural disasters like wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and ice storms.
In a positive update to the devastating ice storm that hit Central and Eastern Ontario in March (causing an estimated $416 million in damages according to Insurance Canada), two Ontario restaurants are receiving support from DoorDash.
Agave by Imperial and The Speak Easy Café in Peterborough, are each receiving $10,000 grants from DoorDash’s Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund.
Agave By Imperial is a family-run restaurant, tequila bar, and margarita haven on George Street that specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is deeply embedded in local culture, donating gift cards to charity causes, promoting other downtown businesses through “shop local” collaborations, and hosting events with Trent University.
The Speak Easy Café is a gangster-inspired breakfast and lunch spot which has been serving the community for over twenty-five years. With frequent involvement in local events and community fundraisers, The Speak Easy Café prides itself on being core to the city’s history. The ice storm forced the local businesses to close for several days, with extensive food spoilage and loss of revenue during one of the busiest times, deeply affecting operations and staff.
“Small businesses are the backbone of their communities, and when disaster strikes, they’re often hit the hardest,” says Brian Kaufmann, Head of Policy for DoorDash Canada. “The Disaster Relief Fund is designed to help local restaurants recover, whether it’s repairing damage, replacing equipment or covering lost income. Standing with our partners when they need it most is core to empowering local economies.”
Who can apply
DoorDash prioritizes small businesses that are on the DoorDash platform, including but not limited to restaurants, flower shops, liquor stores, convenience stores, pet stores, and local grocery stores. Businesses must have:
- A brick & mortar location
- No more than three total locations
- 50 or fewer employees per location
- Been open for at least six months
- Revenues of $3M or less per location in the last 12 months
- Located in United States, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Australia, or Canada
- Been impacted by an eligible state or federally-declared natural disaster, including but not limited to wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes
Applications must be submitted within 12 months of the declared disaster. Grants can be used to cover expenses directly related to an eligible disaster, such as rent, repairs for damages, mortgage payments, payroll and other critical bills.
For more information on DoorDash’s Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, please visit the website.
