As Restaurants Struggle, Montco Offers $5 Million In Relief Funds

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County is offering a boost to the local restaurant industry as it struggles to weather the pandemic.

The Montco Strong 2021 Restaurant Grant Program makes a total of $5 million in county economic development funds available to local restaurants and food service businesses.

"We recognize the importance of this industry as a cornerstone of Montgomery County's economic and workforce development, as well as central to the growth of our entrepreneurship, job opportunities, and our communities," Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence said this week.

Qualifying businesses are eligible to receive $10,000.

Restaurants were already limping to the end of 2020 when the fall surge of coronavirus hit, sending case numbers and hospitalizations skyrocketing. Stricter mitigation measures were handed down at the state level in Pennsylvania two weeks ago, disallowing all indoor dining until Jan. 4.

State and county leaders continue to urge U.S. Congress to pass the Restaurants Act, which would provide owners and employees of restaurants with further relief.

Restaurants looking to apply for the funding can do so here. The application window will open on Dec. 30 and close on Jan. 6, 2021.