1. What this program offers

Regions 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.

The TGP contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism industry, from coast to coast to coast.

Indigenous applicants

Indigenous tourism is vital to our communities and to the economic development and growth of Canada’s tourism industry. That is why it is a priority under the TGP. Through the $108-million TGP, approximately 15% will support Indigenous-led tourism initiatives. Indigenous applicants may submit their applications by contacting us at indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca.

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
• Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietors) or Indigenous tourism organizations
• not-for-profit organizations (including tourism associations and economic development organizations)
• governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)

Please note

Preference may be given to SMEs this intake.

To benefit as many tourism operators as possible, FedDev Ontario is focusing this intake on new applicants only. Those who have already received funding under the Tourism Growth Program will not be considered for another project.

Eligible activities

Eligible projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Priority may be given to projects that:

• support the Indigenous tourism industry
• increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban areas to rural areas
• support economic, environmental and cultural sustainability
• support active outdoor experiences
• extend the tourism season (e.g., new or expanded tourism offerings outside of the traditional high season)
• complement support provided through provincial programs

Financial assistance

• For small- and medium-sized enterprises
  • contributions will normally be repayable
• For not-for-profit organizations
  • contributions will normally be non-repayable

Other activities could be eligible. Please contact us directly / consult How funding works for additional information on the types of project activities that could be supported and the program’s funding parameters.

How to apply

• See if this funding opportunity is right for you by clicking “Next” and reviewing the program details.
• Attend our virtual information session to receive an overview of this application process.
• Complete your application and submit it with the mandatory attachments by September 17, 2024. Indigenous applicants may submit their applications by contacting us at indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca directly.