Applications are now open for the provincial government’s $100-million Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant.
The grant program, which was first announced on March 29, provides a one-time payment of $10,000 to $20,000 to support eligible small tourism and travel businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible businesses include travel agents, hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, hunting and fishing camps, indoor tourist attractions such as escape mazes, outdoor adventure companies, recreational rental services such as houseboat rentals, mobile food services like chip trucks, and more.
To qualify, businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and demonstrate they have experienced a minimum 20 per cent revenue decline between 2019 and 2020. Businesses that began operating in 2021 are not eligible.
Businesses that have already received the Ontario Small Business Support Grant are not eligible for the new grant.
Also ineligible for the grant are campgrounds, caterers, convention centres, event planning services, museums, zoos, historic sites, farmers’ markets, tour and guide services, and more.
Small business owners can use the Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant in whatever way makes the most sense for their business.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit www.ontario.ca/covidsupport.
Applications for the grant will close on Friday, June 25th.
