By: Michelle Poirier
The Ontario Government is rolling out a new program that provides one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to help support small businesses in the tourism and travel industry struggling to recover from the loss of business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $100-million Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant was launched on May 13. And applications are now open for eligible small businesses in the tourism and travel industries.
“Prior to the pandemic, Ontario’s tourism generated more than $36 billion in economic activity and supported more than 400,000 jobs across the province,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, in the press release.
“Our government is working with small businesses to overcome the challenges of the past year – through programs like the Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant – and help the tourism industry reclaim its place as an economic powerhouse and key job creator in our province.”
Jordan Irwin, owner of Lake Simcoe Watersport Rentals in Keswick, says he has heard about the grant but has not applied.
“The only concern I have is if we can show a loss right now, that’s part of the eligibility for that loan, but everything else we fall under,” he said.
“If I can show some type of loss, then yes, I’ll most likely apply for it.”
Mr. Irwin said his business was able to stay open in 2020 by following the necessary COVID-19 safety protocols, like not booking any groups and sanitizing between customers.
He said that anything that can help small businesses, especially now as many are struggling, is something he supports.
Business owners who operate tourism or travel businesses with fewer than 100 employees and experienced a revenue decline of at least 20 per cent between 2019 and 2020 are eligible for the grant.
However, they are ineligible if they have already received the Ontario Small Business Support Grant (OSBSG), which closed on June 25, 2021.
Wendy Sedore, owner of TravelOnly with Wendy, is a travel advisor in Georgina, and she says she is not applying for the grant.
“I am kind of just starting back up, so I’m not taking it at this time. I did take CERB at the beginning, but I know many people who need it more than I do right now. My husband’s back to work, so I’m fortunate that way,” she said.
Ms. Sedore said, due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, she had to put her travel business to the side.
“I’m just starting to get some bookings now; I’ve secured some cruises for next year and the year after,” she said.
She said she thinks once everyone starts getting their second vaccine dose, reservations will pick up, but she is not actively promoting anything right now.
“I know, unfortunately, a lot of colleagues who have had to abandon their business pretty much altogether, and so because my husband’s working, I’m in a better position, and I can still pursue it. But, I understand why a lot of people are leaving the industry,” she said.
She said that often, in her industry, couples work together so these grants can help with the loss of income.
Businesses that qualify must apply by June 25, 2021, and they may use the grant in whatever way makes the most sense for their business.
To apply for the grant, businesses can visit www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs.
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