The government has announced a £10 million package to help communities that depend on tourism. The new funding will be distributed to communities immediately to kick start tourism in time for the summer as part of the government’s drive to boost the recovery of the economy.
Kick-starting Tourism Package, will give small businesses in tourist destinations grants of up to £5,000 to help them adapt their businesses following the coronavirus pandemic.
Businesses can use the funding to pay for specialist professional advice such as human resources, legal or financial expertise, to adopt new technology and online systems or to purchase new equipment. 100% of the money will come from government with no obligation for businesses to contribute financially.
Funding will be allocated to local growth hubs based on how much of their employment base is linked to tourism and hospitality businesses. This means that coastal and rural areas, with a bigger proportion of their economy focused on tourism, hospitality and allied sectors, will get a larger share of the funds.
Growth hubs work across the country with local and national, public and private sector partners, such as Chambers of Commerce, FSB, universities, Enterprise Zones and banks, co-ordinating local business support and connecting businesses to the right help for their needs.
Activities supported through the £10 million grant can include:
- one-to-many events providing guidance to respond to coronavirus
- small grants (£1,000 – £5,000) to:
- help businesses access specialist professional advice e.g. human resources, accountants, legal, financial, IT / digital
- purchase minor equipment to adapt or adopt new technology in order to continue to deliver business activity or diversify