Current Opportunities for the Tourism Sector
Regional Development Program: Eastern Ontario Development & Southwestern Ontario Fund
OPEN
The Regional Development Program provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in Ontario, by region.
The program supports projects that: create jobs and build talent, attract and encourage private sector investment, lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts, and encourage innovation, collaboration and cluster development.
Digital Main Street
OPENDigital Main Street is a digital “how to” guide and program to help you grow your business. The program is supported in partnership with the Province of Ontario.
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Ontario Arts Council
OPENThe Ontario Arts Council (OAC) provides grants to Ontario-based individual artists and arts professionals, ad hoc groups, collectives and organizations. Grants support a range of arts activities and disciplines. OAC currently offers more than 65 grant programs.
Ontario Trillium Foundation: Grow Grant
OPENTake a successful project to a new level. Grow grants provide a higher level of funding over 2 or 3 years to help proven community projects increase their impact.
Grants support established programs and services that have a proven track record of success and meet community need. Applicants can apply for funding to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.
Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro and Small Business Stream
OPENThe Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is dedicated to nurturing the growth and success of Indigenous tourism operators across Canada. Join the association in its mission to empower Indigenous tourism enterprises nationwide and work collectively towards ITAC’s vision to help make Canada the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030 through the Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro and Small Business Stream.
Tourism Growth Program in Southern Ontario
CLOSED - Applications closed September 17, 2024, 4:59 pm ETRegions and communities across Canada host many exciting tourist attractions that bring people in and drive economic development. We want to celebrate the businesses behind those attractions and make sure they can grow and thrive. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs), the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over 3 years (2023-2024 – 2025-2026) to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The RDAs are working in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments and tourism partners to ensure the program is complementary to other supports for the tourism industry, helping to diversify regional economies and contributes to Canada's economic growth.
Black Entrepreneurship Program
OPENThe Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) is a partnership between the Government of Canada, Black-led business organizations, and financial institutions. With an investment of up to $265 million over four years, it will help Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs grow their businesses and succeed now and into the future.
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Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund
OPENIt has three aims: (1) to increase cultural tourism by providing investments to assist Ontario organizations to develop, promote and present one- off or first time events, or a significant expansion of existing activity, which are designed to attract new tourists and visitors to cultural events; (2) increase the earned revenue capability of the applicant organization; and (3) support events that foster economic growth and contribute to job creation.
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Propel Student Work Placement Program
OPENFunded by the Government of Canada through the Student Work Placement Program, Propel offers registered Canadian businesses, startups, and not-for-profits related to the tourism and hospitality sector a subsidy on each qualifying student’s wages.
The wage subsidy is available for employers who hire students enrolled at a recognized post-secondary institution for a paid position to fulfil the co-op or internship component of their program. The wage subsidy can be accessed by businesses from all facets of the visitor economy: accommodations, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services.
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Green Municipal Fund
OPENNo matter what stage of development you’re at, FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) can help fund your next sustainability project. For over 23 years, GMF’s long-standing funding offer has helped municipalities switch to sustainable practices faster. Our updated funding goes even further in helping you bring projects to life that address local environmental challenges, enhance quality of life and support a net-zero Canada by 2050.
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