Cruise Businesses Dry Docked in Pandemic can now access Govt $1 Million Grant; Portal OPENED!

#TurksandCaicos, November 16, 2021 – The portal to access $1 million in grant money for businesses which were essentially furloughed when cruise tourism was dry docked by the coronavirus pandemic is live.  The link was shared last night and Grand Turk companies which had been serving the industry from 2019 can make application for financial support from $3,500 to $10,000.

You can tap the image, and the link takes applicants to an information page, informing which businesses qualify and how much funds they are able to access.

Massage therapists, wedding planners, cruise center vendors, cabana vendors and beach vendors can apply for $3,500.  Golf Cart operators, ATV operators and trams can apply for $7,000.  Taxis/Tour Operators and water sports operators can apply for $10,000 and among the requirements is proof of TCI status, proof of British Overseas Territories Citizen status and the portal assists by giving business license ID numbers, which companies are disqualified and advises that those accessing the grant money must submit one application at a time.

Hon Akierra Missick, the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID) and Acting Premier, last week informed the portal would open on Monday November 15 and it did.

The funds, through the Ministry of PPID is made accessible as the island of Grand Turk rushes to readiness; its first cruise ship in 19-months will dock in 21 days at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

The process from application to approval to cheque collection is estimated at four weeks.

For more information on the Cruise Assistance Grant, see the link: https://stimulus.gov.tc