Tourism Activation Grant
The purpose of the program is to provide tourism businesses with a non-repayable financial contribution (grant) toward eligible expenses to assist with capital and/ or maintenance costs associated with opening for the 2021 Season. This program is intended to support investments that will help tourism businesses adapt to a new normal and position them to capitalize on future economic recovery.
The new Tourism Activation Grant will provide assistance to PEI tourism businesses and will be administered through a joint partnership of Tourism PEI and the Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) in Western, Central and Eastern PEI.
The total obligation of the Government of Prince Edward Island under the Tourism Activation Grant will not exceed three million dollars ($3,000,000). The Government of Prince Edward Island reserves the right to pro-rate payments at any point during the program period should the total claims from operators exceed three million dollars ($3,000,000).
Applications for the Tourism Activation Grant are now open!
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Eligibility Criteria:
- This new program will provide relief for qualified applicants that meet the eligibility requirements noted below, and demonstrate a minimum 30% decrease in tourism related revenues for 2020 compared to 2019.
- Applicants must have at least $25,000 in gross revenues for 2019.
- The physical tourism operation and head office must both be located on PEI.
- All non-Canadian or publicly traded companies or company owned by the same are excluded from this program. Additionally, corporate operations of a franchise network with establishments located outside of PEI are excluded from this program.
- Tourism business must be registered and hold an appropriate license to operate prior to April 1, 2020.
- For new businesses where historical revenues are not available, eligibility will be determined on a case by case basis and may be determined by comparing historical information related to the specific operation or industry averages.
- In all cases, the applicant will be responsible to provide proof of previous year's revenue.
- Eligible applicants must be a 'for profit entity' operating within one of the following sectors:
- For accommodation operators, the establishment must have more than one accommodation unit as licensed under the Tourism Industry Act. For example, an operator or establishment with more than one cottage would be eligible. Licensed tourism accommodations (e.g. hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, inn, resort, cottage operations, campgrounds); Licensed tourism accommodations must be used for business activity and not, whole or in part, for primary residential purposes; Licensed tourism accommodations where the owner resides to assist with operations and has a minimum of at least 4 guest bedrooms with private bathrooms that are assigned to the exclusive use of a guest or party of guests and hospitality is provided by the tourism operator.
- Food and beverage service (e.g. restaurant, bar, brewery);
- Local artisans and artists (e.g. pottery, artwork);
- Locally-owned retail and gift shops that cater primarily to Tourism;
- Attractions (e.g. museum);
- Tourism service/experience providers;
- Event companies;
- Adventure (e.g., kayaking, amusement park, golf); and/ or
- Tour operators.
- NOTE ... The maximum eligible under this program to a business or group of businesses controlled by a common shareholder is limited to $50,000.
Eligible Expenses:
- Many operators make significant investments in their property during the off-season to ensure guests are provided with a quality and aesthetically pleasing experience.
- Eligible expenses under this program may include (but are not limited to) new product or experience development, routine maintenance, new equipment, new technology and improved furnishings.
- Eligible expenditures must be incurred on or before July 1, 2021.
- Any transaction must be completed between two parties operating at arm's length.
- Claims must be supported by paid invoice.
- Assistance will be based on the following formula:
- Grant will cover up to 50% of eligible expenses
- The maximum amount of eligible expenses will be calculated as 4% of 2019 gross revenues
- Maximum grant will be $50,000
- Minimum -for those applicants whose gross revenue is greater than $25,000 and less than $125,000 the applicant may increase their "eligible expenses" beyond 4% of their 2019 gross revenues to be eligible to receive up to $2,500 in grant.
Important Information:
- The government cannot guarantee funding to all applicants, nor can the government ensure that the total amount requested by the successful applicant will be granted.
- The decision to fund all or part of an applicant's request will depend on its fit with the program intent and eligibility criteria, as well as the overall demand for the program funds.
Apply Now:
