Application Form:

Applications are now closed.

Description:

To provide financial assistance in the form of 80% grants, to enable tourism-dependent, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and Arts and Culture Not-for-Profits (NFP) organizations, to equip themselves to meet Public Health guidelines and protocols. The grant will enable the business to continue to operate, particularly through the shoulder and off-season in 2020/21.

Priority will be given to projects that retain/create jobs, have a high jobs/dollar invested ratio and increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the business post-COVID-19.

Eligibility:

Eligible applicants include:

  • In order to be eligible, the business must currently be operating in the Niagara region and be tourism-dependent. This grant was previously administered separately to Niagara-on-the-lake and therefore not available for businesses in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
  • The business must have been established and in operation before January 31st, 2020.
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate a loss in revenue compared to last year due to COVID-19.
  • Project activities are new to the business and must be related to tourism-focused adaption of COVID-19 protocols or practices, sustaining or growing revenue generation and ensuring long-term sustainability.
  • Grants will be awarded to eligible projects at a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $20,000.
  • Recipients must match the grant with a minimum of 20% funds received. Please indicate the amount requested and your business’s contribution.
  • Project costs must be incurred between June 1st 2020 and December 31st 2021.
  • Any project costs already funded by Federal relief dollars are not eligible.
  • Recipient must obtain all necessary permits and abide by municipal and provincial laws.
  • Recipient acknowledges this grant is considered income to their business and agrees to keep accurate records.
  • Recipient acknowledges that their name and grant amount will be public information and possibly used in the Ministry’s success stories or public announcements.
  • All 12 municipalities in Niagara and the Region recently signed a declaration marking Niagara region as a member of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities. Projects that can demonstrate inclusiveness and diversity in their workforce or through their business activities will be given priority.

Eligible Costs:

  • To equip businesses to meet Public Health guidelines and protocols;
  • Purchase of PPE, cleaning supplies etc. for workers;
  • Accommodate social distancing (expansion of restaurant patio space, pick up windows or curbside pick-ups for retailers, secondary entry/exit to allow physical distancing, equipment to extend the outdoor dining season e.g. purchase of patio heaters);
  • Implementation of technology, digital tools etc. for tourism operators to enable e.g. virtual queue, timed entry ticketing to enable social distancing.

Application Process:

  • To apply to the fund please complete Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund Application Form and submit it by email to errt@niagararegion.ca no later than January 31, 2021.
  • If you require this application in any other format please email errt@niagararegion.ca with your request.
  • Any questions should be directed to errt@niagararegion.ca
  • All applications will be reviewed by the Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team adjudication committee. An evaluation tool will be used to assess projects against eligibility guidelines.
  • Successful applicants will be notified by Niagara Region Economic Development on behalf of the Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team.

Deadline:

Applications close on January 31, 2021 end of day.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Click here to view the full FAQ

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