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 US$1 million to help small businesses in the United States and Puerto Rico recover from natural disasters. Grant recipients use the funding for a variety of 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 renewing and building upon this commitment, providing 100 more $15,000 grants and expanding eligibility to include restaurants based in Australia and New Zealand in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN).
DoorDash general manager for Australia, Puji Fernando said, “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 bricks and mortar locations, fewer than 50 employees per location, have been open for at least six months, and impacted by an eligible state or federally declared natural disaster. The third round of funding cycles take place across 3 January to 29 March 2024.