Take it Outside Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. What is Take it Outside?
    • Take It Outside is a Commerce RI initiative to combat COVID 19 and increase outdoor small business operations. The North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce will facilitate the program by purchasing eligible items to expand outdoor capacity. This is the third round of Take It Outside funding. Applicants may be eligible for up to $10,000 in items from single or multiple vendors, for this round of funding.
  2. Can I be reimbursed for my purchases of eligible items?
    • No. Per the terms of our agreement with Commerce RI, we are only purchasing eligible items for eligible small businesses.
  3. How do I know if my business is eligible?
    • Must be a valid, active, for-profit entity registered in the State of Rhode Island.
    • Gross Annual Revenue did not exceed $1,000,000 in FY 2020 or 2021.
    • Must have a demonstrated financial loss due to COVID 19.
    • Federal SAM number required – to find yours, or create one, go to www.SAM.gov
  4. What items are eligible?
    • The cost of purchasing, obtaining, delivering, or installing:
      • Tables
      • Chairs
      • Tents
      • Cleaning Supplies
      • Signage
      • Bike Racks
      • Security
      • Contactless Technology
      • Weatherization

      Other costs for purchasing goods or services deemed necessary to increase outdoor operations

  5. What items are ineligible?
    • Plastic to cover menus
    • Propane/fuel for outdoor heaters
    • Decorative flowers/plants
    • Walk-in coolers
    • Normal business expenses such as plates, takeout containers, cups
    • Coolers
    • Permit fees
    • Table technology (tablets/iPads)
    • Water coolers
    • Trash bins and garbage bags
    • Generators
    • Labor costs
    • Outdoor games (such as bocce ball)
    • Outdoor commercial doors
  6. How much money can I get?
    • Eligible businesses can receive up to $10,000 worth of eligible items. We do not conduct reimbursements for businesses.
  7. I have a new business, is there a way I can still apply?
    • There is not a minimum revenue threshold, just the maximum.  This means that a new business that did not realize revenues in 2020 or 2021 could still be eligible for this program. Also, if this was an existing business and the new ownership is continuing operations of that business, they could complete the small business application using revenue information from the previous ownership.However, the business would need to meet the other qualifications including having been negatively impacted by COVID-19 in one of these ways:
      1. Being forced to close or curtail business operations due to the pandemic or a government order pertaining to the pandemic;
      2. Experiencing a supply chain delay or disruption that negatively impacted operations
      3. Experiencing increased cost as a result of the pandemic; or
      4. Being forced to lay off workers as a result of the pandemic.

       

  8. What are some examples of a food and beverage business being negatively impacted by the pandemic?
    • Delays in planned renovation timelines
    • Supply chain disruptions that impacted a businesses’ ability to establish food and beverage contracts
    • The ownership contracting COVID-19 either forcing their new business to close or otherwise negatively impacting operations
APPLY HERE