News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
A Place Where They Belong: The Rise of the Okanagan’s Indian-Owned Wineries
The story of British Columbia’s modern wine industry—albeit remarkable in terms of its rapid growth and success—is usually portrayed as one of risk-taking, combined with an abundance of unbridled optimism. Yet, often missing from the narrative of 40 or 50 years ago are the very real hardships endured by immigrants who worked in the orchards and vineyards of their adopted homeland.
The story of British Columbia’s modern wine industry—albeit remarkable in terms of its rapid growth and success—is usually portrayed as one of risk-taking, combined with an abundance of unbridled optimism. Yet, often missing from the narrative of 40 or 50 years ago are the very real hardships endured by immigrants who worked in the orchards and vineyards of their adopted homeland.
Q&A: Destination Canada’s Gracen Chungath on The Future of Regenerative Tourism in Canada
Destination Canada’s Senior Vice-President, Destination Development, Gracen Chungath, spoke with Canadian Geographic about a regenerative approach to tourism and destination stewardship. The article explores how these two themes can be put into practice across Canada. Adopting regenerative tourism principles means flipping from focusing solely on the visitor, to focusing on the needs of the local community. Once the community knows what they aspire to do, the next step is to determine how tourism can be used to help reach those goals.
Destination Canada’s Senior Vice-President, Destination Development, Gracen Chungath, spoke with Canadian Geographic about a regenerative approach to tourism and destination stewardship. The article explores how these two themes can be put into practice across Canada. Adopting regenerative tourism principles means flipping from focusing solely on the visitor, to focusing on the needs of the local community. Once the community knows what they aspire to do, the next step is to determine how tourism can be used to help reach those goals.
Tackling Food Waste: Sustainable Solutions That Will Improve Your Bottom Line
Originally published in InnFocus Magazine Summer 2022.
While recycling, saving water, and reducing electricity are among the many important steps toward being sustainable, are you aware of the impact food waste has on the climate crisis? Ben Liegey is on a mission to expand our collective understanding of food waste prevention and help hospitality operators improve their bottom line in the process. (Author: Kelsey Millman)
Originally published in InnFocus Magazine Summer 2022.
Article by Kelsey Millman
While recycling, saving water, and reducing electricity are among the many important steps toward being sustainable, are you aware of the impact food waste has on the climate crisis? Ben Liegey is on a mission to expand our collective understanding of food waste prevention and help hospitality operators improve their bottom line in the process.
“Food waste generates 8% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions globally, meaning that if food waste was a country, it would be the third highest emitter of CO2 in the world, behind USA and China,” says the food waste expert and co-founder and CEO at Rethink2gether. “Globally, food waste prevention is the number one solution to fight climate change, and emissions caused by food waste can be drastically reduced through simple steps.”
Liegey’s Vancouver-based company works directly with accommodators across the province to reduce food waste through a tailored action plan that will result in annual savings.
“An average restaurant in BC experiences approximately 50K in food waste per year—30% of which is completely avoidable,” he says. “3% of hospitality businesses in British Columbia measure food waste currently,” and Rethink2gether wants to increase that number by providing the expertise, training, technology, and a certification program—The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste—to set operators on their path to savings. He adds, “hospitality businesses can cut food purchasing costs by 3-7% and expect an average of 30% less food waste after a year of using our services, meaning 15K can go back into your pocket.”
Although cost savings and protecting the planet are clear benefits of reducing food waste, Liegey also points to ethical food waste prevention as a means to attract and retain workers, as today’s workforce is “looking for work that has meaning.” Particularly for those within the culinary space, Liegey suggests, “if you show your employees you care about the environment, and the treatment of food, you can attract people who are needed in the industry right now.”
But employees are not the only group of people looking to engage with foodconscious businesses. He notes, “According to a recent booking.com poll, 83% of global travellers think sustainable travel is vital. If you want to drive revenue and guests to your hotel, being sustainable is really a no-brainer.”
Fortunately for us all, food waste prevention is becoming part of a larger conversation— something Liegey is excited to see. “We are witnessing governments around the world beginning to take action,” he says. “France is one of the first countries to officially adopt anti-food waste laws.” Anticipating that this will be a growing trend, it creates an opportunity for operators to be leaders in this space, being among the first to implement food waste prevention practices.
Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna Pilot Project
In BC’s hotel community, one such leader that has emerged is Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna. The property recently participated in a first-of-its-kind Energy, Waste & Carbon Reduction Pilot Project, pioneered by the BC Hotel Association, in partnership with FortisBC, GreenStep, and Rethink2gether.
Through this ground-breaking program, all aspects of the property’s hotel and dining operations have been scrutinized by analysts as they measure the property’s carbon footprint, while conducting comprehensive energy, waste, and water audits. This was all done with one aim in mind—to identify energy conservation and sustainability opportunities.
For Rethink2gether’s part, Liegey explains, “We trained the entire team on-site, and arranged food waste segregation bins to separate different food waste streams that include preparation, spoilage, and plate waste.” Once the measuring systems were in place, over the course of a week, the Rethink2gether team began “analyzing food waste data to identify food efficiency opportunities—compared against industry data—and shared a detailed three-month action plan that will help the property identify up to tens of thousands in cost-savings from food waste reduction alone.”
To support this program, the Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna added a $2 Eco Fee to all guest bookings as of February 15, 2022. Funds go directly into a Sandman Hotel Group Green Fund—administered by GreenStep—to support the implementation of future sustainability projects and opportunities at the hotel.
While the sustainability collective hopes to roll this pilot project out across BC, Liegey says there are steps that hotel operators can immediately take to support food waste reduction—and it begins with a pen and paper. “The most important step in food waste prevention is to begin measuring,” he says, and operators do not need any specific technology to get started. “You have in your hand a very easy way to create significant savings and leverage the number one solution to fight climate change. Alternatively, if you want to explore food waste monitoring technology, you can also try Food Intel Tech for free for 45 days.”
Liegey also encourages hospitality operators to explore Rethink2gether’s website for free training, resources, and to explore The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste, with 4 levels of certification and 95 criteria solely focused on food waste.
As Liegey states, “Climate action begins with each of us, and food waste prevention is a tasty way to improve your bottom line.”
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Annual Update 2022
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada released their Annual Update video outlining how they have supported Indigenous tourism businesses throughout the past year and have made great progress towards recovery.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada released their Annual Update video outlining how they have supported Indigenous tourism businesses throughout the past year and have made great progress towards recovery.
Congratulations to the team at Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) on a strong year and all of your successes along the way. We are proud to work alongside you to showcase the incredible Indigenous tourism offerings we have across the country. For an in-depth look at their work for the past year, read their annual report.
Tourism Kamloops Launches New Incentive Program
Tourism Kamloops is offering a cash back opportunity.
Through its new incentive program, event planners are rewarded for meeting in Kamloops. Submit your RFP to see if your program qualifies – the reward? $10 per room night.
Tourism Kamloops is offering a cash back opportunity.
Through its new incentive program, event planners are rewarded for meeting in Kamloops. Submit your RFP to see if your program qualifies – the reward? $10 per room night.
ITBC Seeks Tourism and Business Development Experts to Work with Indigenous Tourism Businesses in BC
ITBC invites Indigenous experts in various fields to register in their database that they will share with Indigenous tourism businesses, communities, organizations, and entrepreneurs. ITBC hopes these new connections will inspire businesses to work together to enhance and strengthen the Indigenous tourism industry.
ITBC invites Indigenous experts in various fields to register in their database that they will share with Indigenous tourism businesses, communities, organizations, and entrepreneurs. ITBC hopes these new connections will inspire businesses to work together to enhance and strengthen the Indigenous tourism industry.
ITBC is looking for experts for business support in the following categories:
Business plan development and feasibility study
Business operations/operational adaptation
Digital innovation
Experience development
Visitor experience
ITBC seeks experts with a minimum of four years of relevant experience in any of the above categories for work with Indigenous communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs.
THRIVE Global Impact Challenge 2022 for Innovative Startups | Apply by August 26, 2022
The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is a global search for the most innovative startups who are advancing a more sustainable future for agriculture.
The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is a global search for the most innovative startups who are advancing a more sustainable future for agriculture.
Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Impact Challenge is focused on three key themes each one central to supporting the transition to a net-zero future for agriculture.
Soil health & Biodiversity
Increasing food security
Reducing and offsetting emissions
Benefits
Finalists from each theme will advance to the finals and pitch at the THRIVE Sustainability Summit where the overall winner will be announced.
The Winning company receives the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge Award and a place on the award-winning THRIVE Global Accelerator Program in Silicon Valley. In addition the winner will also receive:
Investment from SVG Ventures
Silicon Valley Startup Bootcamp in the Summer of 2023 for two founders, hosted by THRIVE ($15k USD value)
Automatic acceptance as a Samsung XTC Finalist
Impact strategy program with Imagine Impact (Specialist Impact Consultants) Sponsored by ICL
Startups should be Seed to Series A with technologies focused in the following areas:
Soil health & Biodiversity
Regenerative agriculture
Ag biotechnology
Alternative fertilizers
Alternative pesticides & herbicides
Crop nutrition & novel inputs
Biostimulants
Water management.
Increasing food security
Alternative proteins
Food loss prevention
Circular economy
Indoor farming
Supply chain solutions
Packaging
Functional Ingredients.
Reducing and offsetting emissions
Carbon sequestration
Carbon measurement
Carbon markets
Reducing animal emissions and animal cruelty
Robotics & automation
On-farm emissions reduction.
Applications will be accepted until August 26, 2022. Late applications will not be considered.
Join TOTA at the CRIS Adaptive Amazing Race August 23-24 to Raise Funds for Improving Accessible Outdoor Recreation in the Okanagan
Community Recreational Initiatives Society is hosting the 3rd annual Adaptive Amazing Race in August. The Adaptive Amazing Race is based on the Amazing Race on Television but CRIS’S version utilizes a piece of adaptive equipment. CRIS is looking for teams of 4-6 members to compete in this year's race. If you are unable to participate as a team, you can participate as a prize sponsor or as a general fundraiser.
TOTA is raising funds and team members are participating in the race in Kelowna on August 24. Want to get support access to the outdoors for all? Make a donation to support CRIS Adaptive towards their goal of enabling outdoor recreation for all.
Community Recreational Initiatives Society is hosting the 3rd annual Adaptive Amazing Race in August.
The Adaptive Amazing Race is based on the Amazing Race TV series, and involves a piece of adaptive equipment. It is an excellent opportunity if you and your team are looking for a fun team-bonding event. Additionally, it is a great way to contribute to the local community's well-being.
CRIS is looking for teams of 4-6 members to compete in this year's race. If you are unable to participate as a team, you can participate as a prize sponsor or as a general fundraiser.
Dates and Locations:
August 23, 2022: 12 pm-3 pm, Polson Park, Vernon
August 24, 2022: 11 am-2 pm, Mission Creek Park, Kelowna
Funds raised allow CRIS Adaptive to
Maintain and purchase new adaptive equipment
Run programs
Cover membership and trip fees for individuals who need financial support
TOTA Participating in CRIS Adaptive Amazing Race
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is committed to supporting accessible and inclusive tourism in the region. As a partner and supporter of CRIS Adaptive, TOTA is raising funds and team members are participating in the race in Kelowna on August 24.
Want to get involved? Make a donation to support CRIS Adaptive towards their goal of enabling outdoor recreation for all.
Free Advisory & Education Services from Small Business BC, funded by Destination BC
Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to provide tourism stakeholders across the province with free access to Small Business BC’s Advisory Services and Education Offerings. Services are delivered online, by phone, email, webinar or in person.
Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to provide tourism stakeholders across the province with free access to Small Business BC’s Advisory Services and Education Offerings. Services are delivered online, by phone, email, webinar or in person (if available).
Service details are as follows:
Advisory Services
Talk to an Expert Series – Speak with a wide range of business advisors and experts and ask questions specific to your business:
Appointments are 30-45 minutes in length. Each session must be booked in advance, using the code DBC3034, and is based on availability.
Business Strategy Advisory – Access Small Business BC’s staff advisors who can provide solutions-based strategy planning advice for business growth. Consultations are up to 60 minutes in length and must be booked in advance, using code DBC3034 at checkout.
Education Services - Education - Small Business BC produces approximately 300 education webinars per year covering over 40 different business topics.
To access any of these resources, identify which advisory and/or education service(s) you are interested in, add it to cart, and apply coupon code DBC3034 at checkout. There is no charge to tourism stakeholders.
Industry Outlines Recommendations for Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
Following a consultation request from government on a Canadian Tourism Growth Strategy, industry advocates across Canada have submitted their recommendations.
Following a consultation request from government on a Canadian Tourism Growth Strategy, industry advocates across Canada have submitted their recommendations:
As a result of consultations with industry leaders and members -- which included focus groups, surveys, and direct outreach -- the Hotel Association of Canada has submitted hotel-specific recommendations as part of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy consultations. View Submission →
The BCHA and HAC are also a part of the Hardest Hit Coalition (HHC) - a collection of more than 120 business associations in the tourism sector, co-chaired by HAC and TIAC. With collaboration from industry, the submission reiterates the four key pillars with attention to tourism and hospitality. View Submission →
Expanding on the accommodation-specific recommendations outlined in submissions, the BC Hotel Association outlined specific recommendations and investments needed to support our provincial accommodation sector. View Submission →
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada also outlined tourism-specific recommendations; View Submission →
New Training Program Empowers People to Address Racism | Apply by August 11, 2022
More people throughout the province will receive free training on how to help defuse racist incidents through a new Anti-Racism Community (ARC) Stewards pilot program.
Applications are being accepted for the “train the trainer” program, which will educate people with a passion for leading anti-racism work in as many as 15 small communities. Successful applicants will learn the skills needed to offer training on how bystanders can address racist incidents and facilitate community dialogues on racism and discrimination in their communities.
More people throughout the province will receive free training on how to help defuse racist incidents through a new Anti-Racism Community (ARC) Stewards pilot program.
Applications are being accepted for the “train the trainer” program, which will educate people with a passion for leading anti-racism work in as many as 15 small communities. Successful applicants will learn the skills needed to offer training on how bystanders can address racist incidents and facilitate community dialogues on racism and discrimination in their communities.
The pilot project is the first anti-racism training of its kind - developed and delivered by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS).
People from the following communities are encouraged to apply: Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Houston, Kitimat, Nelson, Penticton, Powell River/gathet, Prince Rupert, Revelstoke, Sechelt/Gibsons, Shuswap, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof, Vernon.
Online applications will be accepted until August 11th. Twenty spaces are available in the program. Successful applicants will begin their training in October 2022. Participants will receive an honorarium and travel expenses will be covered.
ITAC Launches Original Original Accreditation Program
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Original Original Accreditation enables ITAC to apply consistent and fair criteria to any Indigenous business seeking formal recognition as being ‘Market Ready’. Accredited businesses will fall into three categories of Market Ready, depending on the market they are prepared to serve, which include Business Ready, Visitor Ready or Export Ready. This accreditation program is important to travel trade associations, international tour operators, travel agents, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), local communities and others to promote a quality tourism experience. The program also enables Indigenous tourism businesses to access lucrative travel trade networks and new visitor/consumer markets.
Survey | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Ministry of Labour is inviting you to participate in a survey on how workplaces and businesses can commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) each year, including whether BC should establish a new employer-paid statutory holiday starting in 2023.
The Ministry of Labour is inviting you to participate in a survey on how workplaces and businesses can commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) each year, including whether BC should establish a new employer-paid statutory holiday starting in 2023.
That National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday which commemorates the history and legacy of the residential school system, honours the resilience, dignity and strength of survivors, and remembers the children that never came home. Designating this day as a provincial statutory holiday would entitle BC employees covered by the Employment Standards Act to an employer-paid day off to personally commemorate the day, or to payment at premium rates if they are required to work on that day.
You are encouraged to submit your views until September 21st. Please forward the link to the survey to your colleagues, members of your organization, and anyone else whom you think will be interested in participating.
Keremeos Creek Wildfire Impacting Parts of Okanagan-Similkameen
The Keremeos Creek Wildfire is impacting parts of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen, including Keremeos, Hedley, Olalla, Skaha West, Kaleden, Apex, and Highway 3a. There are several evacuation orders and alerts in place, as well as heavy smoke over Olalla and Marsel.
The BC Wildfire Service is managing the situation and crews continue to work around the clock to protect structures.
For up to date information, see the BC Wildfire Service info page and the DriveBC Current Incidents page.
The Keremeos Creek Wildfire is impacting parts of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen, including Keremeos, Hedley, Olalla, Skaha West, Kaleden, Apex, and Highway 3a. There are several evacuation orders and alerts in place, as well as heavy smoke over Olalla and Marsel.
The BC Wildfire Service is managing the situation and crews continue to work around the clock to protect structures.
For up to date information, see the BC Wildfire Service info page and the DriveBC Current Incidents page.
Glohaven Community Hub Seeking Investors
Glohaven is seeking investors / individuals who support the tourism industry and community-based projects.
To learn more, contact Glohaven CEO and Founder, Michael Benedek, at Mike@Glohaven.com.
Glohaven is a destination management ecosystem that supports tourism communities to increase tourism innovation in Canada. The digital community hub seamlessly integrates a variety of local tourism products, experiences, information, and tools into one platform to easily connect to the growing audience of socially conscious consumers in the online world.
Currently, Glohaven is:
Commercializing with key customers like the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Onboarding the first round of Beta test vendors to https://Glohaven.com, with plans to open the platform to public users in December. Testing will begin with a few pilot community marketplaces including Osoyoos and Vernon, with several Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) members.
Curating custom Globoxes™ (tourism gift boxes) for a variety of clients this year including major destination resorts and tourism organizations.
Investment Opportunity
To fuel growth over the next 12 - 18 months, Glohaven opened a $1.5 Million round of funding, with $200,000 secured. Glohaven is seeking investors / individuals who support the tourism industry and community-based projects. Through this investment opportunity, individuals from B.C. who invest in Glohaven receive a 30% refundable tax credit through the Province of BC / Investment Capital Branch / Eligible Business Corporation program.
To learn more, contact Glohaven CEO and Founder, Michael Benedek, at Mike@Glohaven.com.
TED@Destination Canada | Apply by August 14, 2022
Destination Canada and TED are collaborating to create TED@DestinationCanada, producing 14 TED Talks from the brightest speakers, best storytellers and biggest changemakers connected to Canada. They are looking for fresh ideas across a breadth of industries, from the creative economy, to academia, culture, business innovation, climate, tech, tourism and more.
Destination Canada and TED are collaborating to create TED@DestinationCanada, producing 14 TED Talks from the brightest speakers, best storytellers and biggest changemakers connected to Canada. They are looking for fresh ideas across a breadth of industries, from the creative economy, to academia, culture, business innovation, climate, tech, tourism and more.
These ideas will reflect how the people, places and perspectives of our country naturally inspire and support thinking as expansive as our land. Given a world stage, these ideas will impact how global minds view our country and drive the next wave of changemakers in Canada to reach beyond the parameters of today, to imagine the potential of tomorrow.
The Talks will be filmed on February 23, 2023 at the TED World Theater in New York City, an intimate venue at TED headquarters. Once recorded, the Talks will be published on TED.com and beyond, and be available for viewing for years to come.
In forming a partnership with TED, renowned for bringing together the biggest thinkers with inspiring ideas that lead to action, Destination Canada will refresh and elevate the perception of Canada as an ideal place to travel, and by extension, study, work, invest and live.
If you (or someone you know) have an idea worth spreading, please apply. Deadline for application is August 14, 2022.
The theme of the event is:
O P E N
When we come together with open hearts and open minds, anything is possible. We see connections everywhere. We welcome all ideas, experiences, and ways of life—because this is how we learn, grow, and change.
How it Works:
Candidates apply online to speak by submitting the TED@DestinationCanada application, which includes completing a questionnaire and submitting a 1-minute selfie-video describing their idea. The deadline to apply is Sunday, August 14, 2022 (11:59pm ET).
From the submissions, TED will select the most interesting and surprising ideas that will be relevant to a curious, educated global audience and invite applicants to discuss their ideas via a 30-minute Zoom call.
TED selects the final speakers, and they develop their Talks with a speaker coach. The speaker lineup will be confirmed in October.
TED@DestinationCanada takes place February 23, 2023!
Note: The team at TED will be reviewing the applicants. The videos cannot exceed 1 minute. If you submit a video longer than 60 seconds, it will not be viewed, and your application will not be considered. Please be attentive to the duration of your submission video.
go2HR Announces Six Regional HR Consultants to Support BC Tourism Labour Recovery
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR modelled the new Regional HR Consultants initiative after a successful pilot project in the Thompson Okanagan region that started six years ago.
The consultants provide a wide variety of services to tourism operators in BC including recruitment, onboarding, retention, HR Advice and more.
Emergency Evacuation Planning for Your Workplace
Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you'll be able to respond. WorksafeBC developed a resource for employers that will help you plan for emergencies and develop effective procedures for evacuating your workplace.
Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you'll be able to respond. WorksafeBC developed a resource for employers that will help you plan for emergencies and develop effective procedures for evacuating your workplace.
Connect with a member of go@HR’s health & safety team for additional guidance. Email safety@go2hr with any questions you have.
Province Seeks Nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship | Apply by Sept 6
BC’s tourism industry has stepped forward to help our communities in so many ways over the last year. Do you know someone who should be recognized for their efforts? British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship. It recognizes people for extraordinary generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to their community.
BC’s tourism industry has stepped forward to help our communities in so many ways over the last year. Do you know someone who should be recognized for their efforts?
British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship. It recognizes people for extraordinary generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to their community.
Nominations for this year’s Medal of Good Citizenship are being accepted until Sept. 6, 2022. Nominations received after that date will be considered for the 2023 cycle. British Columbians can nominate individuals, organizations or youth in their communities.
Canadian Red Cross Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program | Apply by September 30, 2022
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected individuals and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia. Support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected individuals and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia. Support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
Eligible small business owners and not-for-profit organizations who were directly impacted by the floods and extreme weather event, and who meet the minimum requirements may apply for $5,000 in funding.
This financial assistance is to provide support for things such as:
Uninsured direct losses damage, lost equipment/inventory
Insurance deductibles
Specialized clean-up costs that might not be eligible under other programs
Ongoing expenses such as rent for a commercial space or utility costs