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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2020
Several announcements from Harrisburg this week will have effects on food, beverage and entertainnment businesses. The industry finds itself in a bit of "wait and see" until budget decisions are made at both state and federal levels. Some business advisors suggest pivoting operations. If that's something you're considering, there are several items to explore in this issue, including menu items that withstand outdoor dining, franchising and funding for new ventures.
NEWS FROM HARRISBURG
HB 2513 Veto Override Fails in General Assembly
Gov. Wolf vetoes Pa. restaurant bill, advocate groups...

Update: On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the House of Representatives failed to approve a veto on HB 2513 with a vote of 133-69. The bill needed two-thirds approval to be considered for an override in the State Senate. A bill that would help eliminate...

Read more
www.ydr.com
Gov.Wolf asks for Liquor License Fee Waivers & CARES Act Funding for Restaurants
Will Assembly Support it?
Gov. Wolf Announces Plan to Waive Liquor License Fees To ...

Governor Tom Wolf announced a plan to waive liquor license fees to provide financial relief to restaurants and bars, which have faced significant financial impacts during the COVID-19 public health crisis. "As we enter the anticipated fall...

Read more
www.governor.pa.gov
Rep Wheatley Introduces Save Our Stages Bill
Pittsburgh has already lost small yet iconic performance venues, including The Rex Theatre, Brillo Box, Hambones and Mixed Tape. Our remaining live performance venues rely on a stable national ecosystem of touring performers, booking agents, promoters and techinal crew. Can this legislation save our stages that host this massive national and local economic engine?


Save Our Stages: Legislation to support entertainment...

"We need to stay closed. We need to wait this out, but the reality is our business model can't survive not being closed ... not being able to put on shows, sell tickets. So, we have to find a way to get around it so on the other side of this...

Read more
www.wpxi.com
FINANCIAL
LIMITED TIME TO ACT - NEW SPC 0% LOAN
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Business Assistance - Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission

New COVID-19 Recovery Loan Program is designed to help small businesses recover following the COVID-19 pandemic. The loan features a 0% interest rate, with no payments due for the first six months.

Read more
www.spcregion.org


Application now open! CLOSES OCTOBER 29! ACT NOW!
The HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program - Main Street...

Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded on a competitive and first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of 50 percent of grants will benefit diverse-owned businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration as minority, woman, veteran....

Read more
www.mainstreet.org


And the winners are.....

These businesses were awarded grants through the first round of funding from the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program.
Main Street America and The Hartford Award More Than...



Read more
www.mainstreet.org
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Duquesne SBA New Venture Challenge 

Dispelling the Myths of Franchise Ownership
Muti-Cultural Food Service Forum presents this on-demand webinar

"Aicha Bascaro is the founder and CEO of American Franchise Academy and stopped by A Seat at the Table to discuss how franchising works, how you can run a successful franchise, and how minorities and people of color can become franchise owners." here
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OPERATIONS
Looking for custom masks, thermometers, face shields or other forms of PPE?

Don't worry, the Department of Community and Economic Development has you covered! They've compiled this list of PPE companies that will sell direct to businesses for bulk purchases.
COVID-19 PPE & Supplies B2B Directory

Pennsylvania COVID-19 PPE & Supplies Business-2-Business (B2B) Interchange Directory Company and product information provided in this directory were

Read more
dced.pa.gov
BUILDING REGIONAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

VisitPITTSBURGH and the PGH Commitment aggregates protocols from various resources, and a commitment to adhere to health practices the CDC and ACHD recommend.
VisitPITTSBURGH Introduces PGH Commitment

The PGH Commitment is a mutual pledge between the Pittsburgh hospitality and tourism communities and the region’s residents and visitors. It is centered on demonstrating to leisure travelers and event organizers that the Pittsburgh hospitality and...

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www.visitpittsburgh.com
How Chefs Are Adapting Their Menus for Chilly Outdoor Dining
As temperatures drops, brace yourself for braises. Read more on Bloomberg.



ATTENTION ALL LIQUOR LICENCEES:
All of you should have received an email from the PLCB linking to their updated guidelines from October 20.



The National Restaurant Association released updated re-opening guidelines called COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance. You can view and download the PDF file here.


BUSINESS DISTRICT SUPPORT
Good news for garbage collection! The Department of Public Works is expanding garbage pick-up service to all neighborhoods using smart garbage cans.
City and URA Launch Avenues of Hope Initiative to Advance Revitalization of Historically Diverse Business Districts

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 14, 2020) Mayor William Peduto and the Urban Redevelopment Authority today formally launched the “Avenues of Hope” initiative to reprioritize business district investments in diverse city neighborhoods. 

Avenues of Hope is a place-based, people-first approach that intervenes across all layers of successful, healthy, and sustainable Main Street development in largely Black and diverse neighborhoods across Pittsburgh, focusing on seven major business corridors. This initiative seeks to invest in existing small businesses and residents, supporting the inclusive growth of these neighborhoods. 

The initiative will boost neighborhoods and help support middle-class jobs, families and entrepreneurship. The URA focus will be on housing investment, workforce connectivity, commercial corridor activation, façade renovations, and other impactful MWBE and small business supports.  Read more here.

EXTRA! EXTRA!
Are customers complaining about the current meal requirement for alcohol service?
Yes - they don't like the meal requirement, they just want to drink!
No - they don't mind the meal requirement or usually buy food anyway
N/A - we don't sell alcohol or are not currently open for business
How Pre-Prohibition Drinking Laws Led New Yorkers to...

Near the end of the 19th century, New Yorkers out for a drink partook in one of the more unusual rituals in the annals of hospitality. When they ordered an ale or whisky, the waiter or bartender would bring it out with a sandwich. Generally...

Read more
getpocket.com
Inspectors clock over 50,000 checks of Pennsylvania...

Since restaurants and bars in Pennsylvania began reopening this summer following the COVID-19 lockdowns, liquor control inspectors have been making the...

Read more
www.post-gazette.com
Check out previous COVID-19 resource newsletters for more information.


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References to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement. Always, consult your professional service providers to decide if a resource is a right fit for your business.