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Community Futures Thompson Country and eight other Community Futures offices in the Thompson Okanagan region are working in partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) to assist the tourism industry in overcoming the challenges presented by the current COVID-19 crisis through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program. In July 2020, a formal agreement was formed to create the Community Futures – TOTA Taskforce in commitment to the development of an active and meaningful relationship on the path to rebuilding a resilient tourism industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Community Futures – TOTA Taskforce is now offering the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Micro Loan Program for tourism businesses in the Thompson area.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Micro Loan Program
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Micro Loan is in alignment with the previously announced Regional Relief & Recovery Fund (RRRF) which has provided $587,000 to more than 20 tourism businesses in the region, as of August 2020.
Micro loans start at $200, up to $25,000. Terms and conditions apply which are specific to each Community Futures office.
About Community Futures – TOTA Taskforce
The Community Futures – TOTA Taskforce will implement projects, access needed resources, and share best practices to revitalize, support, and grow the tourism sector, during the pandemic and beyond. Efforts and strategies will focus on tourism growth, development, sustainability, and long-term resiliency.
Helping the tourism industry recover and become more resilient for the long term is imperative. Ongoing exchange and discussion will facilitate further advancement of best practices relating to the development of sustainable communities and destinations. Specific joint strategies will target identification and support of business funding opportunities as well as advancing knowledge on the visitor experience, training, employment, and innovation.
For more information on the Community Futures – TOTA Taskforce email the Community Futures office or TOTA at recovery@totabc.com.
How to Apply
To apply for a Tourism Micro Loan, tourism stakeholders must be referred to a Community Futures office by a Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program Advisor.
The Tourism Resiliency Program offers many benefits, with no cost to participate. Participating companies will receive ongoing support from an advisor through one-on-one phone or video meetings. The advisor will develop a Business Support Plan and provide key updates to programs and services.
