Nearly one in five restaurants nationwide have closed during the pandemic, according to the National Restaurant Association.

The good news is that relief is on the way.

There will soon be nearly $30 billion available in federal grants to help bars and restaurants recover from the pandemic's effects.

The money is from the latest COVID-19 relief bill passed in March.

The U.S. Small Business Association will provide tax-free, non-repayable grants to bars and restaurants that lost revenue during the pandemic.

It will cover things like payroll, utilities and maintenance - including the cost of building outdoor seating.

Restaurant groups of up to 20 businesses can apply for up to $10 million, while single establishments can max out at $5 million.

Pre-registration begins at 9 a.m. Friday, and applications will start getting processed May 3 at 12 p.m.