Independent restaurants across the country can apply for a grant up to $25,000 through the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) is kicking off the fourth year of the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund to support independent, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned restaurants, a program made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund. This funding presents an opportunity for AAPI-owned restaurants to thrive amid a season of economic setbacks. By upgrading technology, increasing outreach, expanding offerings, and providing support to employees, businesses will be able to reach their next level of growth and continue to give back to their small business communities.

“Since the launch of AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund three years ago, National ACE has distributed over $5 million to 351 AAPI restaurant owners nationwide,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. “Thanks to the Grubhub Community Fund, our restaurant owners were able to hire new staff, repair and expand their dining space, replace old kitchen equipment, retain a marketing company, purchase a building for their business, and more. We are pleased to partner with Grubhub again to continue our mission to support and impact more AAPI restaurateurs.”

Eligible restaurants across the country will be able to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 – $25,000, with three restaurant owners receiving a grand prize of $25,000 live at the National ACE’s #AAPISTRONG Annual Conference in Santa Clara, California on September 4, 2024.

“In our fourth year of partnering with the National ACE, Grubhub is proud to continue our investment in helping AAPI-owned restaurants sustain and expand their businesses through the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund,” said Dave Tovar, Senior Vice President of Communications & Government Relations at Grubhub. “We know better than anyone the important role restaurants play within their communities, and Grubhub is committed to helping diverse independent restaurants extend their positive impact where they serve. We look forward to seeing how this year’s grant recipients will strengthen their businesses and communities with the funds they receive.”

The AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund will accept grant applications from AAPI-owned restaurants throughout the United States from May 1 to May 31, 2024 or when there are 5,000 applicants – whichever comes first.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The restaurant must be Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian majority-owned (at least 51%);

2. Must be based in the United States;

3. Must be currently operational;

4. Must be a for-profit business;

5. Must show proof of their primary licensed activity as “the preparation and serving of food”;

6. Operates in a single location;

7. Cannot be a franchise;

8. Must demonstrate financial need;

9. Funds must be used towards growth and expansion of the business;

10. Must demonstrate community impact (i.e. culture/community, hiring, charitable/philanthropic efforts, etc.)

11. Priority will be given to first time grant applicants;

12. For grand prize finalists, you must be able to attend our Annual Conference in Santa Clara, CA on September 4. Flight vouchers and hotel accommodations will be provided via National ACE for the three grand prize finalists.

Applications will be accepted from 12am ET on May 1, 2024, through 11:59 p.m. ET on May 31, 2024 via www.AAPISTRONG.com

***Please note that due to the program’s high demand, the application portal will close once we have  received 5,000 applications, even if that occurs before the May 31 deadline, so we highly encourage small business owners to apply as early as possible.***

Grants will be distributed to restaurants by December 2024. Interested restaurants can learn more about the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund and the full application process at https://www.aapistrong.com/current-grants

About National ACE

National ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI business interests and effect positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of AAPI business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. With over 120 affiliate chambers of commerce and AAPI organization partners throughout the country, National ACE strives to support and promote issues that impact the AAPI business community by improving economic development and impact, advancing coalitions and enhancing community building, and fostering the next generation of AAPI entrepreneurs and executives. National ACE provides a unified voice for the business interests of AAPIs nationally. Learn more at:  www.nationalace.org.

About Grubhub

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY, NASDAQ: GRUB), a leading global online food delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting more than 32 million diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 365,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.