$4M in Grants Available for Independent Restaurants & Bars
Two New Grant Programs for Disaster Relief & Workplace Innovation
The Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase announced a new partnership that will provide $4 million in grants to independent restaurants and bars across the country in 2025. The partnership includes two grant programs for businesses that are either driving innovation and sustainability or recovering from natural disasters. The programs are designed to support the creative, resilient businesses that are the backbone of our local communities, often while operating on thin margins and navigating ongoing challenges.
Program #1: IRC and Chase Innovator Awards
The IRC and Chase Innovator Awards will recognize 40 independent restaurants and bars with $25,000 grants to strengthen the ideas, practices, and business models that promote sustainability and environmental innovation.
Eligible innovation areas include:
- Zero-waste kitchens and low-carbon menu initiatives
- Workforce and industry innovation, like childcare support for employees, leadership development, and culinary training programs
- Local sourcing and farm-to-table practices
- Health and wellness initiatives
Eligible Applicants: Independently owned restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs, or food carts in business 2+ years with 20 or fewer locations
Application deadline: August 27, 2025
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Program #2: IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund
Beginning September 3, applications will open for the IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund, which will award $3 million in grants to support independently owned restaurants, bars, cafés, and food trucks recovering from natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, ice storms, flooding, and more.
Grant funds can help cover:
- Structural or property damage
- Lost inventory or product
- Temporary closure costs
- Emergency operations and utility expenses
Eligibility requirements:
- Independently owned restaurants, bars, cafes, or food trucks
- Must have fewer than 20 locations nationwide
- Must have sustained direct damage or significant business disruption from a federal or state-declared natural disaster within the past 12 months
Timeline: Applications open September 3, 2025
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