Niagara’s Economic Rapid Response Team (ERRT) is working together, and across municipal boundaries to provide direct financial support for tourism operators adapting their operations during COVID-19.
Niagara’s Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund Grant provides tourism-dependent businesses with up to $20,000 in non-repayable contributions to support costs associated with adapting and re-opening. These include projects such as space renovations and retrofits, the purchase of equipment and fixtures, personal protective equipment, and support for technology and digitization.
The grant is meant to help businesses continue to operate, particularly through the shoulder and off-season in 2020/21. 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.
Project costs must be incurred between June 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2021. 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.
Applications for the first round of funding close on Jan. 31, 2021. Businesses can apply for the fund through the ERRT’s website.
Established in March 2020 and composed of economic development officials from across Niagara, the ERRT has been working throughout the pandemic to gather critical information from Niagara businesses and connect them with provincial and federal supports and information. Visit NiagaraCanada.com for more.
Quotes
“Our tourism operators are critical contributors to Niagara’s economy, and while they have been hit especially hard by this pandemic, they have also shown remarkable resiliency and innovation. This direct financial support will go a long way in helping the many small, medium and large tourism operators across Niagara continue to weather this storm and keep Niagara on the path to economic prosperity.” ~ Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Chair
“Niagara’s Economic Rapid Response Team is pleased to offer the Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund to our community. This opportunity comes at a critical time for our tourism industry, and this grant will ensure these businesses are well-positioned to re-emerge stronger than ever and be able to showcase the resiliency and beauty of Niagara in the coming months and years.” ~ George Spezza, Director, Economic Development
