Visit Austin is excited to share the news that the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office has announced the details for the hospitality and tourism business recovery grant program. You can review the parameters of the program in this slide deck. Below are key details to know:
PROGRAM SUMMARY: The TTIR program is distributing the $180M in ARPA funds allocated by the Texas Legislature in the 3rd Special Session, Senate Bill 8. These funds are to aid in the recovery of the Texas tourism, travel, and hospitality industry as a result of COVID-19.
One-time payment to eligible Texas businesses that experienced an economic loss due to COVID-19. Reimbursement grants not to exceed $20,000 for eligible expenses, and funds will be paid on a cost-reimbursement basis.
Grants may only be used to reimburse costs incurred within the time period, beginning November 8, 2021 through present day. Funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.
ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible to apply for a grant award, an applicant must represent a business that meets certain qualifying criteria, including each of the following:
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry businesses, Accommodation and Meetings Industry businesses, or Food Services and Drinking Places industry business (as determined by NAICS code).
- Private ownership (no publicly traded companies).
- Operates within the State of Texas.
- Business is open to the public or provides services primarily for in-person events.
- Can demonstrate negative economic impact due to Coronavirus Pandemic via a loss of total Texas sales, and
- Business was in operation prior to January 20, 2020.
PRIORITY APPLICATIONS: Prioritization of grant applications will be applied during application evaluation of the program. (First come, first serve!) Priority Groups include:
- Businesses that have received minimal or no federal aid due to COVID-19 (Legislature stipulated this in SB8)
- Veteran-owned businesses
- Businesses located in a QCT, DDA, or Rural Counties, and
- Small Businesses (as defined by the Small Business Administration).
QUALIFYING NAICS CODES
722 Food Service and Drinking Places
71 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
7211 Traveler Accommodations
7212 RV Parks and Recreational Camps
5615 Travel Arrangement and Reservation Spaces
561920 Convention and Trade Show Organizers
312120 Breweries
312130 Wineries
312140 Distilleries
ALLOCATIONS: The grant program will process and award grants in 4 phases. Programs are anticipated to open for applications on the eligibility dates below at 8:00AM CST.
Category 2 – NAICS 71 (Attractions/Entertainment businesses here)
Allocation: a maximum of $34,200,000
8,500 establishments
TIMELINE: August 1-21, 2022
Category 3 – NAICS 7211 (Hotel businesses here)
Allocation: a maximum of $42,750,000
6,000 establishments
TIMELINE: August 22-Sept. 11, 2022
Category 4 – NAICS 722 (Restaurant and Food Service here)
Allocation: a maximum of $85,500,000
Over 50,000 establishments
TIMELINE: Sept. 12-Oct. 2, 2022
Category 5 – if needed to expend any remaining funds
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
- Payroll and covered benefits expenses and compensation of returning employees for lost pay and benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, compliant with 2 CFR 200.430 and 200.431, the coverage of which mitigates financial hardship such as declines in revenues or profits; and
- Only if less than $20,000 of payroll costs and compensation are eligible under the grant:
- COVID-19 mitigation and prevention measures to enable a safe reopening, may include, not limited to: improvements to ventilation, physical barriers or partitions, signage to facilitate social distancing, provision of masks or personal protective equipment.
- Rent, leases, and utilities, to the extent the costs are compliant with 2 CFR 200.465 and 2 CFR 200.472.
- Expenses in these categories must be related and reasonably proportional to the extent of harm experienced; uses that bear no relation or are grossly disproportionate to the type or extent of harm experienced would not be eligible uses. All uses must be compliant with applicable federal and state guidance.
APPLICATION PROCESS: All applications will be submitted electronically via the web portal. You must submit program application and documentation to prove compliance with grant eligibility requirements for funding.
- Texas Sales and Use Tax Returns 01-117 or 01-114
- Most recent quarterly Tax Form 941
- Invoices for reimbursement
- Veterans Service or Benefits Letter
Approved grantees will receive their grant via mailed paper check. Webinars and step-by-step video tutorials on the application process are available on the TTIR website to assist you with the application process.
QUESTIONS: Please find the FAQs for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program here. All other questions can be directed to the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Texas Economic Development department here.