PG&E offers a range of programs designed to help small and medium-sized businesses reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. Photo courtesy of PG&E

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) — Twenty-two restaurants and food businesses across five counties in the Greater Sacramento Area are receiving grants through the California Restaurant Foundation's Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, supported by funding from The PG&E Corporation Foundation.

The $5,000 grants will help local restaurant owners invest in new equipment and technology, support employee training and retention efforts and address unexpected business challenges.

The funding is part of a larger program that awarded grants to 239 restaurants and commercial caterers across 30 counties in Northern and Central California this year.

Local restaurants play a vital role in the region’s economy and culture, creating jobs, supporting Valley agriculture and serving as gathering places for families and communities.

“Local restaurants are vital to our communities,” said Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, PG&E Corporation, and Chair of the Board, The PG&E Corporation Foundation, Carla Peterman. “They serve as economic engines, gathering hubs and cultural anchors. They support local and regional farms and other food producers and small businesses. They have a tremendous economic multiplier effect that brings many benefits to our hometowns. We're thrilled to continue to support these cornerstones of the communities we serve.”

The PG&E Corporation Foundation funded the grants and provided support for the California Restaurant Foundation to administer the program through its Restaurants Care Resilience Fund.

This year marks a record for the partnership, with $1.4 million distributed to 239 restaurants and commercial caterers throughout PG&E's service area. Since the program began in 2021, PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation have provided $5.7 million in funding, helping more than 1,100 restaurants and catering businesses strengthen their operations and remain resilient.

Grant recipients are independently owned California restaurants with fewer than five locations and less than $3 million in annual revenue. More than 70% of this year's recipients said they plan to use the funding to upgrade kitchen equipment, while others will invest in technology improvements and workforce development.

“We are incredibly grateful to The PG&E Corporation Foundation for their continued generosity and commitment to California's independent restaurant community,” said President of the California Restaurant Foundation, Alycia Harshfield. “Their contributions to the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund make a meaningful difference, providing restaurant owners with the financial support they need to make critical investments in their business, strengthen their teams and navigate unexpected challenges.”

Funding for the grants comes from PG&E shareholders, not customers.

The Greater Sacramento Area 22 grant recipients include businesses in El Dorado County, Nevada County, Placer County, Sacramento County and Yolo County.

PG&E offers a range of programs designed to help small and medium-sized businesses reduce energy costs and improve efficiency, including 0% interest on-bill financing for qualifying energy-efficiency upgrades, rebates for food service equipment, energy-efficiency programs tailored to business needs, budget billing to help manage seasonal energy costs and economic development rates for eligible businesses

For more information on support available for small and medium-sized businesses, visit PG&E's Small Business Resource Center.

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