Concord Chamber, Council Offer COVID-19 Grants For Restaurants

CONCORD, NH — City officials and a regional business organization are teaming up to assist restaurants in the capital city weeks before outdoor dining ends on Main Street.

The Concord City Council recently approved the transfer of $15,000 from funds that were to be used to pay for the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks display to the Concord Restaurant Grant Program. The program will offer grants to assist restaurants in purchasing dividers and other items to protect customers from COVID-19. The money, issued in amounts of up to $1,500, will be doled out by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce to member and nonmember eateries that apply for the grants.

"Concord restaurants have been hit hard by COVID-19, and they will no longer be able to continue outdoor dining beyond Nov. 14, as the city will need to be prepared for sidewalk and street snow removal," Tim Sink, president of the chamber, said. "These grants can be used to pay for dividers or other materials that will help restaurants increase their indoor seating capacity."

Concord restaurants have until Nov. 20 to apply for the grants via this link on the chamber's website. Approved grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis — with copies of invoices needed for documentation. Matching funds are encouraged but not required.

Questions about the program can be directed to Sink at 603-224-2508 or via email at tsink@concordnhchamber.com.

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