$5,000 Grants Help Local Restaurants and Commercial Catering Businesses Strengthen Their Long-Term Businesses
Oakland, Calif.— Dozens of restaurants and commercial catering businesses in Central and Northern California will soon be able to pursue new growth plans thanks to grants from the California Restaurant Foundation and The PG&E Corporation Foundation.
The two foundations have partnered to award $5,000 grants to 239 restaurants in 29 counties within PG&E’s service area. In total, the charitable contributions will amount to $1.4 million. Both the number of recipients and the total amount represent record figures for this partnership since it began in 2021.
“Local restaurants are essential to our communities,” said Carla Peterman, executive vice president of Corporate Affairs at PG&E Corporation and chair of the board of directors of The PG&E Corporation Foundation. “They are economic engines, gathering places, and cultural pillars. They support local and regional farms, other food producers, and small businesses. Their economic impact multiplies and generates many benefits for our communities. We are excited to continue supporting these vital businesses in the communities we serve.”
The recipients are restaurant owners in California with fewer than five locations and less than $3 million in annual revenue.
This year’s recipients include 203 single-location businesses. On average, they have been in operation for 11 years and employ nearly 2,900 people.
Recipients can use the grants to invest in equipment and technology upgrades, employee training and retention programs, or to cover unexpected expenses. The grants reflect a commitment to strengthening local restaurants so they can grow for the long term and continue contributing to local economies and the development of their communities.
More than 70% of this year’s recipients said they plan to use the grant to upgrade kitchen equipment. Another 15% plan to invest in technology upgrades, while 11% indicated they would provide additional employee training or retention bonuses.
The PG&E Foundation funded the grants and provided funding to the California Restaurant Foundation to administer the grant program through its Restaurants Care Resilience Fund.
The grant funds come from PG&E shareholders, not customers.
“We are deeply grateful to The PG&E Corporation Foundation for its continued generosity and commitment to California’s independent restaurant community,” said Alycia Harshfield, president of the California Restaurant Foundation. “Their contributions to the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund make a significant difference by providing restaurant owners with the financial support they need to make key investments in their businesses, strengthen their teams, and face unexpected challenges. Their partnership over the past six years has allowed us to support more than 1,100 independent restaurants and will continue to have a lasting impact on communities throughout California.”
The California Restaurant Foundation created its Resilience Fund in 2021 to support restaurants recovering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the loss of revenue forced many restaurants to close their doors temporarily or permanently.
PG&E and The PG&E Foundation have supported the program since its inception. The company has maintained that support as restaurants continue to face economic changes and challenges.
Since the program began, PG&E and The PG&E Foundation have contributed $5.7 million to the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, with grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. (To learn about past grant recipients in PG&E’s service area, watch our “From Kitchen to Community” videos.)
With this year’s funding, PG&E has helped provide grants to 1,102 restaurants and commercial catering businesses in Northern and Central California.
Supporting Restaurants and Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
PG&E remains committed to providing its small and medium-sized business customers with options to save energy and money, especially during times of economic hardship. Here are some ways PG&E supports its customers:
- Bill Financing. PG&E offers 0% interest loans to replace old or worn-out equipment with more energy-efficient models. Watch this video to learn how energy savings can be reinvested in your business and help improve your bottom line.
- Foodservice Equipment Rebates. PG&E offers several rebate programs that can help you save money and improve productivity by upgrading your foodservice equipment.
Foodservice Technology Center. Access key training programs, design consultants, and test kitchens to improve your operations and increase energy efficiency. - Budgeted Billing. If you own a small business, you can expect a more predictable bill each month by enrolling in Budgeted Billing. The program averages your monthly bill to establish a monthly payment, instead of unpredictable summer bills.
- Energy Efficiency Programs. PG&E contracts with third-party companies to offer customized solutions for different business sectors.
- Find Your Best Rate Plan. Customers can use this online tool to analyze rates and see if they have the best plan for their operations. Last year, we helped customers save $5.4 million.
- Economic Development Rate. This program offers eligible business customers the opportunity to reduce costs through one of three reduced electricity rate options. PG&E developed this rate to help businesses grow or retain jobs in California. The standard 12% rate is available throughout our service area.
Small and medium-sized business owners can also connect directly with an account manager in their local community: Meet your PG&E Small Business Relationship Manager.
To learn more about PG&E support for small and medium-sized business customers, visit pge.com/smbsupport.
