Guidelines

This fund is to assist Market-Ready Indigenous tourism businesses in BC who are experiencing business disruption and financial loss due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. It is meant to support market-ready Indigenous tourism business and provide short-term support to bridge business towards a longer-term recovery plan and will be accessing government relief programs.

Applicants will be required to share business and financial information related to the impact of COVID-19 on their business. Indigenous Tourism BC will provide guidance for accessing government relief funds.

Eligibility Recipient Criteria

Eligible recipients are registered Indigenous Tourism BC Stakeholders who are Indigenous tourism businesses (51% owned or more indigenous-owned) offering market-ready Indigenous tourism products and experiences in BC.

Due to COVID-19, Indigenous Tourism BC has waived all Stakeholder fees.

For questions about joining as a Stakeholder, please connect with Samantha Rullin, Stakeholder and Marketing Co-ordinator at email: [email protected].

What Are the Criteria for Funding Levels?

Indigenous Tourism BC expects to receive a large number of applications for the program. To ensure as many Indigenous tourism Stakeholders as possible receive support, we may approve a lower amount than the applicant/business is requesting. The funding levels for approved eligible projects will be based on the following criteria:

• Requests will not exceed $10,000.00 per applicant / business, including the Phase 1 of the Emergency Relief Grant Fund
• Applicants/businesses that received funding from the Phase 1 COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds Program will be eligible for a top up that will not exceed $10,000 (Round 1 + Round 2 = $10,000 max)
• Applicants/businesses that did not receive Phase 1 funding support will be eligible to receive up to a maximum of $10,000
• Approval amounts are limited to the need for funding that has been demonstrated by the eligible applicant / business
• Eligible fixed costs must be incurred and paid between May 15, 2020 and November 15, 2020 to comply with the Contribution Agreement between Indigenous Tourism BC and Western Economic Diversification. Documentation of your fixed costs are required as a part of your application. 

Grants will be accepting until the funds are depleted.

Eligible Funding Activities

• Salary or wage supplement for business owner or staff who have lost revenue due to COVID-19, who do not qualify for government relief, or are in waiting stage after applications for government or other types of financial support
• Support to adjust or create a new business model, revenue stream or new tourism product or experience that adapts to COVID-19 restrictions and allows you to be operational, such as an online business platform
• Support for business expenses that have resulted from COVID-19 restrictions and have caused a negative impact on ability to pay regular business expenses
• Support to create or adjust marketing plan that allows you to reach customers via online channels
• Training for owner or staff for new business model or online marketing channels that will assist in remaining operational during COVID-19 travel restrictions

How will my application be assessed?

Each application will be assessed for the following criteria. The applicant:

• Is an eligible Indigenous Tourism Market-Ready Stakeholder with Indigenous Tourism BC
• Meets one or more of the funding priorities
• Meets one or more of the funding activities
• Fully completes application

Instructions

1. Fill out application completely
2. Upload any documents that will support your monthly fixed costs

For more information about this application, please contact:

Francine Douglas
Corporate Services and Development Co-ordinator

Phone: 604-997-4913

Email: [email protected]