Australian restaurants impacted by natural disasters can now apply for funding through the DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund.
In October 2021, DoorDash seeded its Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund with USD$1 million to help small businesses in the US and Puerto Rico recover from natural disasters. The grant recipients use the funding for a variety of important expenses including payroll for existing employees, developing a product or service, sourcing or expanding inventory, marketing and advertising, and general operating expenses like utilities or rent.
DoorDash is now renewing and building upon this commitment for 2023, providing 100 more $15,000 grants. This year, the company is also expanding eligibility to include restaurants based in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
“The unfortunate truth is Australians are all too familiar with the devastating impact natural disasters such as bushfires and floods can have,” says DoorDash General Manager Australia Puji Fernando.
“At the heart of this initiative is helping small businesses when they need it most. It’s simple – by helping small businesses bounce back, we help local communities bounce back. DoorDash is proud to be launching our Disaster Relief Fund in Australia and offer help to those who need it if disaster strikes.”
To apply for relief, restaurants must have between one and three brick and mortar locations, fewer than 50 employees per location, have been open for at least six months, and have been impacted by an eligible state or federally declared natural disaster. The 2023 funding cycles will take place across three rounds:
- Second round: 6 July – 30 September 2023
- Third round: 3 October – 31 December 2023
- Fourth round: 3 January – 29 March 2024
To learn more and apply, visit genglobal.org/grants/restaurant-relief.
