Who Can Apply?
Applicants in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries (as determined by eligible NAICS code) who were negatively impacted by COVID-19 are able to apply. Basic qualifying criteria for a prospective applicant includes, but is 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
- Business or organization 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
- Otherwise eligible to receive this grant funding and not barred from competing for federal awards, including the guidelines on government-wide suspension and debarment in 2 CFR part 180 or for any other reason.
Non-profits are eligible assuming they also satisfy all other requirements for the funds.
Only privately-owned for profit and non-profit entities which fall into the qualifying NAICS categories are eligible for TTIR Program funding.
No other categories of expenses will be allowed, including, but not necessarily limited to, the costs of acquiring real property, equipment, advertising or promotion costs, alcoholic beverages, debts and any related collection and legal costs, costs of donated property or space, fines, penalties, lobbying, or food.
In addition, grant funds may not be used for any program, service, or capital expenditure that (1) conflicts with or contravenes the statutory purpose of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 (Pub. L. No. 117-2), including a program, service, or capital expenditure that includes a term or condition that undermines efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19; (2) constitutes debt service (new or preexisting), a replenishment of any financial reserves, or satisfies any obligation arising under or pursuant to a settlement agreement, judgment, consent decree, or judicially confirmed debt restructuring plan in a judicial, administrative, or regulatory proceeding; (3) violates any federal or state conflict-of-interest requirements, including any self-dealing or ethics rules; or (4) violates any applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, environmental laws and federal civil rights and nondiscrimination requirements, which include prohibitions on discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, or familial status (having children under the age of 18).
