DC investing $4M to help small businesses winterize outdoor dining areas

Washington, D.C., is investing $4 million as part of a program to help businesses offering outdoor dining adapt to winter conditions, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) said Monday. 

The program will provide grant recipients $6,000 to assist with winterizing outdoor dining spaces. The funds can be used for items including tents, heaters, propane, lighting and furniture, according to the mayor’s office. 

“We just announced an investment of $4 million to help small businesses winterize outdoor dining areas and maintain outdoor dining operations in the District through the Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program,” Bowser tweeted. 

#RAMMYS20: We just announced an investment of $4 million to help small businesses winterize outdoor dining areas and maintain outdoor dining operations in the District through the Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program.

Learn more: https://t.co/rcMblZao1m pic.twitter.com/gR7R4BzhtL

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) September 20, 2020

Eligible businesses can start applying as of Monday. The district will disburse funds to eligible businesses starting Oct. 1 on a rolling basis. 

The district’s investment comes as businesses have amped up outdoor dining areas amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to restrictions on service. Indoor and outdoor dining are both allowed in D.C., but the number of patrons allowed indoors is capped at 50 percent capacity.