DoorDash launches disaster relief fund to support Australian restaurants
Australian restaurants impacted by natural disasters can now apply for funding through the DoorDashRestaurant Disaster Relief Fund.
In October 2021, DoorDash seeded its Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund with $1 million USD to help small businesses in the United States 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.
Today, DoorDash is proud to renew and build upon this commitment for 2023, providing 100 more $15,000* grants and this year expanding eligibility to include restaurants based in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN).
DoorDash’s General Manager for Australia, Puji Fernando shares that “The unfortunate truth is Australians are all too familiar with the devastating impact natural disasters such as bushfires and floods can have. 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 6 months, and have been impacted by an eligible state or federally-declared natural disaster. The 2023 funding cycles will take place across three rounds:
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Second Round - July 6 - September 30, 2023
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Third Round - October 3 - December 31, 2023
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Fourth Round - January 3 - March 29, 2024
To date, the fund has provided 100 grants to restaurants in the U.S – more than half of recipient businesses are owned by women, and more than three-quarters are owned by people of colour.
To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.genglobal.org/grants/restaurant-relief
*Grants are $10,000 USD, with current conversion rates to approximately $15,000 AUD. Conversion rates subject to change.
DoorDash, 6th July 2023
