The following information was received Jan.15, 2021 from Melissa Marquardt, Tourism Development Officer, Ottawa Valley Tourist Association. See below for details of a new Capital Projects funding stream (TRIP-Capital Projects Stream) being delivered by Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO), as well as links to the recently opened Small Business Support Program with the Ontario government
Today, we are pleased to announce the release of a new funding stream within our Tourism Recovery & Innovation Program (TRIP), as well as a new Ontario Small Business Support Grant which are both open for applications. If you find you may be eligible for both programs, you are encouraged to submit applications to both.
OHTO TRIP – Capital Projects Funding Stream Now Open
Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) in collaboration with our six County partners is pleased to announce the release of a new funding stream within our Tourism Recovery & Innovation Program (TRIP).
Developed in partnership with Ottawa Tourism, TRIP – Capital Projects program is geared specifically to tourism-dependent small to medium businesses and provides non-repayable funding up to 80% of eligible expenses incurred to modify operations to a maximum of $20,000. This program was created to offset costs related to one-time modifications and/or re-opening costs, implementation of health and safety protocols, and digitization measures.
Applications to this new funding stream will be accepted beginning Jan. 15, 2021 and will continue on an ongoing basis until Dec. 31, 2021, or until funds are depleted. Priority status will be given to eligible businesses who apply by Thursday, Jan. 31, 2021.
Here’s what you need to have on hand to complete the application:
- Your Business Number, HST number, and Incorporation date (if applicable)
- A copy of your 2019 Financials
- A copy of your commercial general liability insurance indicating coverage of at least $2,000,000
- Copies of all receipts, invoices and/or quotes you are looking to submit for reimbursement
- A brief 500-word summary drafted of how the requested funds are to be used, including a synopsis of how the project helped to protect jobs and the visitor experience.
We are anticipating a high volume of applications and will be processing submissions on a first come, first served basis. If you are a tourism dependent business located with the boundaries of Ontario’s Highlands (see map) we encourage you to apply today by visiting ComeWander.ca/trip. Download the Program Guidelines to review eligibility and click “Apply Now” to reach the online application portal.
Please note that as the pandemic persists, OHTO will continue to pursue additional opportunities to support businesses. In addition to the release of this funding stream we also encourage you to explore eligibility for the newly released provincial Ontario Small Business Support Grant below.
Ontario Small Business Support Grant Accepting Applications
Another funding opportunity provided by the Ontario Government has opened for applications today. The Ontario Small Business Support Grant is intended to help small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the provincewide shutdown. Eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 to $20,000 which they can use in whatever way makes the most sense for them, eg. paying employee wages, maintaining inventory, etc.
If your business has fewer than 100 employees, was required to close or significantly restrict services, and have experienced a minimum of 20% revenue decline when comparing April 2020 to April 2019 monthly revenues, read the program guidelines and submit your application.
Note: businesses who were not in operation in April 2019 or April 2020 can still apply using alternative revenue decline comparator months.
Ottawa Valley Tourist Association(2021,Jan.15) New Funding Available for Hard-Hit Tourism Businesses [announcement]
