Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund Grant Program Funded By Fed Dev Ontario

Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund Grant Program

                              Funded By Fed Dev Ontario

Project Scope

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 Guidelines:

•       Business must be currently operating in the Niagara region and be tourism-dependent.
        (Businesses that were awarded grants through the Niagara-on-the-Lake Tourism Grant
        Program are not eligible.)
•       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.
•       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 and marketing to promote business open.

Application Process:

•      To apply to the fund please complete the application form and submit by email to
       errt@niagararegion.ca or download the form and email to the same address. 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:

We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis. Submissions will be evaluated as they are
received.

BUSINESS DETAILS

Legal Name:

Street Address:

City:

Operating Name:

Operating Street Address:

Operating City:

Province:                   Operating Province:

Postal Code:                Operating Postal Code:

Business Phone Number:

CRA Number:                 Operating Start Date:

Business Structure:         Business Sector:

Contact Person:             Contact Email:

Contact Phone Number:       Website URL:

                            Social Media:

COVID-19 IMPACT

What percentage of your business is tourism dependent?

How has your business been impacted by COVID-19? (1-20%; 21-40%; 41-60%; 61-80%; 81-100%)

What is the approximate decrease in revenues of your business as a result of COVID-19, based on
the same period last year?(1-20%; 21-40%; 41-60%; 61-80%; 81-100%)

How many employees did you have at the same time last year (or pre-COVID-19)?

How many employees do you have now?

Are they working modified hours, job sharing etc.? (Yes/No)
Yes
No
Have you used any other Federal COVID-19 support programs?

PROJECT DETAILS

   Project Name:

   Project Start Date:

   Project End Date:

Please describe your proposed project in detail.

Include information on how it will remove barriers to re opening or the rebuilding of the
client base, increase sustainability, access to new customers or new markets,
integration of new technology and/or innovative processes.

Describe your project milestones:

Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project budget:

How many employees will you/did you hire or rehire as a result of this project?

How many employees, currently working, did you/will you retain as a result of this project?

How will this project support your business in 2021 and beyond?

Describe how your project could mitigate the risk associated with a future outbreak or changes in
provincial guidelines?

Can you explain how your project specifically aims to promote diversity and inclusiveness?
(accessibility of your business, hiring process, values communicated to staff, diversity training etc.)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please provide any additional information about your project, not already covered by the questions,
        that you feel is relevant to this funding application.