DishRoulette Kitchen $1k Campaign
Nonprofit investing $40,000 across 40 Chicago restaurants.
Through the DRK $1k Campaign, first-generation Latinx founders are providing capital directly to restaurant owners and food vendors across Chicago. The campaign aims to directly support entrepreneurs that have been left behind by economic relief programs – specifically, women, people of color and undocumented entrepreneurs.
This campaign is part of a larger series of services hyper-focused on sustaining the business health of the local food industry. Capital investment is a critical first phase as restaurants and food vendors struggle to recover from financial losses. As we set into the next phase of pandemic restrictions, financial and operational support is critical to the livelihood of these businesses.
The DRK team is closely connected to these businesses and have experienced how diverse entrepreneurs in underserved areas are a powerful economic engine, generating jobs and wealth where resources are scarce.
For many business owners, this is not their first hardship. It is not the first time they have been denied fair access to capital. However, through sharing their stories of resilience and highlighting their incredible dishes, DRK is reimagining the way we support business owners. While $1,000 is a small capital investment, it is a lifeline for the majority of these businesses.
This campaign aims to highlight the immense disparity in financially supporting the businesses that continue to feed and employ communities across the city. We believe now is the time to create innovative solutions for the systemic barriers limiting access to capital. It is also a time where relentless hustle and innovation will propel these businesses forward continuing to build a world-class food ecosystem here in Chicago.
Eligibility Requirements
Located in Chicagoland area
Majority Minority-Owned
Less than $500,000 annual revenue
In business for at least one year
25% decrease in revenue due to COVID-19
Undocumented business owners are welcome to apply
Deadline
Rolling basis - first come, first served until 40 businesses selected.
Applicants not selected will automatically be considered for future grants.
CALL TO ACTION
If you are a Restaurant Owner
If you are a Community Member
If you have capital initiatives intended to directly impact diverse entrepreneurs
About DishRoulette Kitchen
A Chicago nonprofit focused on the food and beverage industry. Our mission is to support restaurants from the ground up. We strongly believe that through effective hospitality training mixed with financial consciousness, any restaurant concept can become a sustainable, scalable business.
Team Quote
“We’re Chicago kids doing what we love, for the food we love, for the people we love, for the city we love.” – The DRK Team
