Restaurant Care 

• Emergency Financial Aid

• Mental Health & Wellness Support

• Disaster Relief Funding

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

  • Tools to help you support team members without carrying the full financial burden alone

SCORE provides:

• Free mentoring from retired business executives

• Business plan reviews

• Financial strategy & fundraising support

• Webinars & workshops

California Office of the Small Business Advocate

• Local resource partners

• Grants and loan guidance

• Business navigator tools

• Help for underserved and minority-owned businesses

National Restaurant Association (NRA)

• Advocates for restaurant-friendly policies at the federal level

• Provides training (e.g., ServSafe food safety certification)

• Publishes data & research on trends, labor laws, and operating benchmarks

• Offers crisis support (e.g., COVID relief, immigration rules, tax policy)

California Restaurant Association (CRA)

• Protects your business by lobbying Sacramento on issues like minimum wage, health codes, and licensing

• Provides legal compliance tools (e.g., required posters, labor law updates)

• Local chapters provide regional networking and support

James Beard Foundation

• Offers grants and funding to independent restaurants and BIPOC-owned businesses

• Provides national recognition through awards that elevate your brand

• Delivers leadership programs and training for culinary professionals

• Supports sustainability and equity in the food world

🔪 American Culinary Federation (ACF)

• Certifies chefs and cooks (great for staff development and credibility)

• Provides networking and competition opportunities

• Offers online and in-person culinary training and continuing education

• Access to job boards, scholarships, and mentorship

Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC)

• Gives a national voice to independent restaurants — especially during crises

• Advocates for fair relief packages, PPP forgiveness, and rent protections

• Organizes campaigns to educate lawmakers and mobilize public support

• Offers webinars and legal updates during economic shifts

Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF)

• Empowers women in foodservice with leadership training, coaching, and mentorship

• Connects restaurant owners to female talent pipelines

• Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion at all business levels

• Hosts an annual leadership conference attended by top operators and brands