Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for additional tax-payer-funded financial relief.
The Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR) went into effect on Tuesday and provides one-time reimbursement grants to Texas businesses with NAICS Code 722—including restaurants, bars, caterers, and food trucks—of up to $20,000 to local businesses still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The TTIR was established by the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office pursuant to Senate Bill 8 and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott following the 87th Legislature. The purpose of the TTIR grant program is to administer $180 million received from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSFRF) under the American Rescue Plan.
The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA), which makes up the largest hospitality and tourism industry segment, led the multi-faceted coalition advocating for the TTIR program’s creation. The mission of the TRA is to serve as the most prominent advocate and an indispensable resource for the hospitality and food service industry in Texas.
“Restaurants and other food service businesses faced unprecedented challenges as a result of government closure orders and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said TRA President and CEO Emily Williams Knight.
“We are so proud of the TTIR Program because it’s really the first of its kind in Texas,” she said. “While the money will likely fall short of the need, it demonstrates that the State of Texas understands the critical role that the food service industry plays and the way it was especially impacted by the pandemic.”
Knight suggested that the grant program will go a long way toward helping these industries continue to recover.
Businesses that received assistance from the Paycheck Protection Program or similar tax-payer-funded recovery programs are still eligible to qualify for the TTIR program. For restaurants with multiple locations, a unique Texas Taxpayer ID is required to qualify.
The qualifying criteria for prospective applicants include, but are not limited to, the following:
- In operation prior to January 20, 2020
- Operate in the State of Texas
- Privately-owned for-profit business or non-profit organization
- Open to the public or provide services for in-person events
- Businesses or organizations in the eligible NAICS codes listed for the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries (NAICS codes 71, 722, 7211, 7212, 5615, 561920, 312120, 312130, 312140)
- Suffered negative economic impact due to COVID-19
The Texas Economic Development Office offers multiple resources to help businesses apply for the TTIR program, including an FAQ page, a webinar on the program, and an in-depth video tutorial on how to apply. The deadline for applications is November 22.
