National ACE, in partnership with Grubhub, is proud to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Restaurant Accelerator and Community Fund Grant, a program made possible by grant support from the Grubhub Community Fund.
From October 1 to October 24, small, independent restaurants across the United States can apply for the chance to join a program designed to spark growth, innovation, and long-term success. Applicants who attend at least three of National ACE’s expert-led virtual Restaurant Accelerator sessions in November will be eligible to receive a $5,000 Community Fund Grant to invest directly in their business.
Who can apply?
The program is open to U.S.-based small, for-profit restaurants that are currently operational and licensed in food preparation and service. While the grant is open to all eligible businesses, we encourage Asian American and Pacific Islander restaurateurs operating in economically disadvantaged areas to apply. Below is the full list of eligibility requirements:
- The restaurant must be classified as a small business;
- Open to all small businesses that meet the standard SBA definition of a small business.
- While eligibility is not limited by background, the program strongly encourages applications from business owners of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage who operate in economically disadvantaged areas (as defined by local or federal economic development zones).
- Must be based in the United States;
- Must be currently operational;
- Must be a for-profit business;
- Must show proof of their primary licensed activity as “the preparation and serving of food”;
- Cannot be a franchise;
- Funds must be used towards growth and expansion of the business;
- Must attend at least 3 out of the 4 sessions of the accelerator program (11/4, 11/12, 11/18, 11/25)
Important Dates
Registration Opens: Oct 1, 2025
Registration Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on Oct 24, 2025
**The application closes at 11:59 PM EST on October 24, 2025. Please note that due to the program’s high demand, the application portal will close once we have received 500 applications, even if that occurs before the October 24 deadline, so we are highly encouraging small business owners to apply as early as possible during the application open period. Late applications will not be accepted.