Deadline: 21-May-21
Explore Waterloo Region will be implementing the Tourism Adaptation and Recovery Program Part 2 to help businesses and not-for-profits (NFP) in the tourism and hospitality sector by supporting adaptation and re-opening costs incurred to continue operating post Covid-19.
The program will directly support the tourism industry on the ground level as they adapt and recover from the effects of Covid-19.
It will allow businesses throughout the region to safely re-open or remain open and will enable businesses to survive, thereby maintaining jobs and a stable economy.
Objectives
- Support the tourism industry on the ground level as they adapt and recover from the effects of COVID-19.
- Help businesses safely re-open or remain open thereby maintaining jobs and a stable economy.
- Protect the health and safety of employees, residents and visitors.
- Build consumer confidence in the region’s tourism sector by showing they are a proactive, and prepared destination.
Stream
- Physical Adaptation
- Small and medium sized enterprises can apply for dollars towards implementation of health and safety protocols and/or renovations or equipment to accommodate physical distancing.
- Support to be provided up to $5,000.
- Priority will be given to businesses that contribute a percentage matching funds for the amount applied.
- Examples Include
- Expansion of patios.
- Patio tables, chairs and umbrellas
- Pickup windows
- Secondary entry/exits
- Outdoor heaters
- Tents
Funding Information
- Businesses can apply for dollars towards implementation of health and safety protocols and/or renovations or equipment to accommodate physical distancing. Support to be provided to businesses up to $5,000.
Eligible Expenses
- Labour (Labour directly related to the project only.)
- Expertise
- Non-Capital
- Capital (Covid related)
- Patio furniture (including tables, chairs, umbrellas, tents, speakers, heaters)
Note: Preference will be given to permanent infrastructure expenses.
Ineligible Expenses
- Staff wages and related costs (benefits, taxes)
- Charitable contributions
- Regular operating expenses
- Marketing related expenses including but not limited to video, photography, social media distribution.
Eligibility Criteria
- Located within Waterloo Region
- Small-Medium sized enterprises in the tourism and hospitality sector or arts and culture not-for-profits that rely on tourism revenues.
- Businesses operating at more than one location should apply with one (1) application and identify the amount requested for each location within the application.
- Operating since before March 17, 2020.
- Any project costs already funded with Federal and/or Provincial relief dollars are not eligible.
- Recipients must obtain all necessary permits and abide by all township, municipal, county and provincial laws including Public Health guidelines.
Selection Process
- A selection committee will be formed from each location. It will include representatives from the Region of Waterloo, the Municipality or Township in which the applicant business is located, Explore Waterloo Region and RTO4
- Selections will be made using a criteria-based model including tourismrelated job creation, jobs maintained, long-term sustainability, matching funds and capacity to execute the project.
- A partnering agreement, including specific program deliverables and reporting requirements is required for successful applicants.
- 70% of funds will be disbursed upon signing the partnering agreement, 30% upon receiving the final report.
- A final report outlining use of funds will be required within one month upon project completion
For more information, visit https://explorewaterloo.ca/tourism-resources/tourism-adaptation-and-recovery-program-pt-2/
