Palm Desert Doling Out $800K To Restaurants Needing Aid

PALM DESERT, CA — With thousands of dollars earmarked, the City of Palm Desert is looking to provide some financial assistance to restaurants hurt by COVID-19.

The city is currently seeking applicants for its Unite Palm Desert Restaurant Recovery loan program, which has $800,000 set aside, designed to aid restaurants facing shut down as a result of the pandemic and related public health orders.

"Loans will be made in $5,000 increments plus $1,000 per full-time equivalent employee up to a total of $10,000 per establishment. Loans will not require repayment if participating restaurants comply with state public health orders," the city announced.

Participating restaurants must offer takeout and, if available, delivery services while retaining the number of employees listed in the application through May 31, 2021, in order for loans to be considered for forgiveness, the city said.

Applications and guidelines can be found at PDbizsupport.com.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 31.

A current City of Palm Desert business license is required to qualify.

Recipients can expect funds in about 30 days following an executed loan agreement.

Palm Desert Mayor Kathleen Kelly said the new program will support one of the community’s vital business sectors.

“We are extremely grateful to all of our businesses who are supporting current health orders for the sake of the common good despite the hardship on them,” Kelly said. “This bold addition to the other support available is designed to particularly sustain our hard-hit restaurants, such a key part of our community and economy.”

For more information about the program and eligibility, email bizsupport@cityofpalmdesert.org or call the city’s business support hotline at 760-776-6362.