Restaurants have been hit hard by the pandemic, so in collaboration, the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation (RWCF) and Ascendus are proud to offer a new loan designed for these businesses, the Restaurant Futures Loan (RFL)!. The Restaurant Futures Loan is designed for NJ based restaurants committed to building a safe and equitable workplace for their employees. Clients may qualify for a 0% loan up to $50,000 with only $25 monthly payments for the first 12 months.

Qualified loan applicants will be asked, before a loan is granted, to consider their business operations on four dimensions:

  • Sustainable wages & career ladders
  • Gender equity and sexual violence in the workplace
  • Immigrant and racial equity
  • Supporting workers with mental health and substance misuse challenges.

Successful applicants will not need to demonstrate perfect workplaces, but rather, an interest in identifying areas for improvement and a willingness to share their challenges.

 How your clients can apply:

  • Apply online using this special link before January 29TH
  • If they pass the online application, they must complete the Restaurant Futures attestation survey.
  • We will notify applicants via email by February 2nd if they are selected for final review.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Minimum 3 years in operations
  • Minimum FICO of 575
  • Storefront food/beverage businesses (restaurants, bakeries, cafes, breweries, bar & grill, etc.)
  • Non-storefront food/beverage businesses do not qualify (Food trucks, caterers, distributors & suppliers)
Jackeline D. Mejias-Fuertes
Regional Director