Grant Deadline: September 15th or until funds run out
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has released a grant that will assist businesses in the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality industries that were impacted by the COVID shutdown. Applicants can request up to $250,000 in reimbursable funds, if they have never received a grant through this program. Applications opened today (9/1/23) and will be accepted until September 15th or until funds run out. If a business has received funds previously under this program, they can request the difference of that amount and $250,000 in this round.
The Genesis of the TTIR Program
This financial lifeline was established to provide one-time reimbursement grants to support Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors that bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants serve as reimbursements for eligible costs incurred by these businesses during the pandemic’s challenging times.
Who Qualifies for TTIR Grants?
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:
- In Operation Before January 20, 2020: Applicants must have been operational prior to this date.
- Located in Texas: Businesses and organizations must operate within the state of Texas.
- Privately-Owned: Eligible applicants can be either for-profit businesses or non-profit organizations.
- Open to the Public: Businesses should be open to the public or provide services for in-person events.
- Eligible NAICS Codes: Applicants must fall under the eligible NAICS codes for the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries (NAICS codes 71, 722, 7211, 7212, 5615, 561920, 312120, 312130, 312140, 532111, 487990, 487210, 487110, 485510, 483212, 483114, 483112, 481211, 481111, 512132, 512131).
- Economic Impact Due to COVID-19: Businesses must have suffered a negative economic impact due to the pandemic. (must be documented by profit/loss reports)
- Not Barred from Federal Awards: Applicants must meet certain federal award eligibility guidelines.
Required Documents
To apply for Category 6 grants, new applicants must submit specific documents. These include:
I. Tax Returns: Applicants can submit one of the following for 2019, 2020, and 2021: Texas Sales and Use Tax Return 01-117 or 01-114, Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Report (Comptroller of Public Accounts Form 12-100), Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (IRS Form 990), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040), U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1120), U.S. Return of Partnership Income (IRS Form 1065), or Texas Franchise Tax Annual Report (Comptroller of Public Accounts Texas Franchise Tax Form(s)). In the case of IRS Form 990N, a Profit and Loss statement with total revenue for the reporting period is required, accompanied by the 990N attestation form.
II. IRS Form 941: The most recent Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return (IRS Form 941) should be provided. If the entity is not required to file this form, a memorandum explaining why is needed.
III. Invoices/Payroll Records: Documentation of expenses that need reimbursement should be provided.
IV. Veterans Administration Service or Benefits Letter: If applicable, this document should be included.
V. Other Documentation: Additional documents may be required for certain expenses.
For applicants re-applying for additional funds, only additional expenses must be uploaded. Information from their original application in Categories 1-5 will transfer automatically. Applicants may certify their Category 6 application without uploading additional expenses if they believe the previously provided documentation already meets the $250,000 maximum award threshold.
Eligibility Details
If you’ve previously received an award during Categories 1-5, you’re eligible to reapply for funding in Category 6. Those who’ve received funding before can now access up to $250,000 in total funds, which includes the amount of their previous award.
If this grant opportunity interests you, please contact me using the form below. However, we must act now, as funds are being distributed on a first-come, first-service basis until September 15th.
Find out more about my Grant Writing Experience Here.
Find out more about this program on the Texas Economic Development Website.