Grant Funding Available For Indianapolis Hospitality Businesses

Indianapolis’s hospitality industry has taken a hard financial hit in during the pandemic.  

The Hospitality Establishment Lifeline Payment, or HELP  program will provide $11 million in federal grant funding to restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said COVID-19 is more dangerous in these environments because of crowds and proximity.

"Essentially praying on our impulse to be together," Hogsett said. 

The money may be used to pay rent or mortgage.  Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association President and CEO Patrick Tamm said this may help businesses retain workers.

"Thousands of people have the potential for employment during the time period where we anticipate the next six months to be much harder than the past six," Tamm said. 

And $2.5 million of the HELP grants will be set aside for separate minority, veteran and women owned businesses. 

Another $1 million will be available for outdoor seating accommodations into the fall and winter.

Businesses can apply for as much as $25,000.

Applications will be accepted Oct. 15 through Nov. 6, and officials encourage applying early because of expected demand.

Hogsett said more federal help is needed.

"This program represents the last gasp of federal relief that has been provided to this city," Hogsett said. 

To date the city has allocated as much as $168 million in CARES Act funding.