The program will help augment business recovery efforts from COVID-19 and Typhoon Mawar and will specifically assist qualified small businesses that support the tourism industry with grants up to $25,000 subject to the availability of funds. The goal for these businesses is to reopen in time for GVB’s summer campaign period in mid-July. GVB has allocated a budget of $2 million for this grant program.
“The Tourism Assistance Program stands as a beacon of hope, offering much needed support to those small businesses affected by Typhoon Mawar,” said GVB President & CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez. “With GVB’s unwavering commitment to our tourism industry, it paves the way for a resilient recovery, revitalizing our number one economy and uplifting businesses with opportunities for growth and prosperity.”
To be eligible for the program, a small business must have the following criteria:
- Local tourism-related business that will re-open on or before July 15, 2023.
- Can certify that the business is directly related to or in support of international or military guests visiting Guam.
- Can provide evidence of economic/financial hardship or can provide evidence of damage associated with Typhoon Mawar.
GVB is encouraging eligible businesses to continue supporting GVB’s efforts with future campaigns and promotions.
Registration requirements
Eligible companies must provide and complete the following as part of the grant application process:
- W-9 Form
- Copy of current business license
- GVB vendor registration form
- Grant application form
- Only one application per corporate entity
To apply for the program, applicants can go to guamvisitorsbureau.com, call GVB at 671-646-5278 or visit in-person at the GVB Norbert R. “Bert” Unpingco Visitor Center and Tumon Office at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial (Ypao Beach) Park.