TOTA is working in partnership with the nine Community Futures offices in the region 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 signed 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.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Micro Loan Program
Community Futures organizations across the Thompson Okanagan region are collaborating with TOTA’s Tourism Resiliency Program to assist in providing support to the tourism sector. The Community Futures - TOTA Taskforce is proud to offer the “Thompson Okanagan Tourism Micro Loan Program,” in alignment with the previously announced Regional Relief & Recovery Fund (RRRF) which has, to date, provided $587,000 to more than 20 tourism businesses in the region.
Micro loans start at $200, up to $25,000.
Terms and conditions apply which are specific to each location.
How to Apply
To apply for a micro loan, tourism stakeholders must be referred to a Community Futures office by a Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program Advisor. Advisors will also provide ongoing, one-on-one support to tourism businesses. There is no cost to participate.
Community Futures - TOTA Taskforce
The 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 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.
Community Futures Regional Partners
Community Futures is a non-profit organization supporting small businesses through a range of services and tools. With experts offering local assistance from 34 offices throughout rural BC, Community Futures is committed to helping business owners achieve their goals and withstand challenges. TOTA is proud to form a joint tourism industry resiliency task force with this outstanding organization and collaborate on positive advancements for the tourism industry, local businesses, and communities.
The nine offices in the Thompson Okanagan region are:
“This new agreement is a positive sign for people working in the tourism sector who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. It will take everyone continuing to work together to build our economy back up and this partnership is an excellent example of the teamwork needed to help tourism rebound in BC.”
- Lisa Beare
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture