Closed
Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF)
Supports tourism products, facilities, and experiences
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 22, 2019
- Closing date : March 31, 2021
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Canadian Experiences Fund provides $58.5 million over two years to support communities across Canada in creating, improving, or enhancing tourism products, facilities, and experiences. Eligible projects include tourism product development, market readiness training, and creating or improving tourism facilities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 22, 2019
- Closing date : March 31, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Planning and development of tourism products and services.
- Market readiness training for tourism businesses.
- Creation or improvement of tourism facilities.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations.
- For-profit businesses.
- Industry associations.
- Local governments and Indigenous governments.
Who is not eligible
- Provincial government organizations.
- Federal government organizations.
Eligible expenses
The grant covers expenses directly associated with the development and implementation of tourism-related projects.
- Expenses for planning and developing tourism products and services, including designing new offerings or enhancing existing ones.
- Costs associated with market-readiness training, such as collaborating with tourism associations to provide marketing training.
- Expenses related to the creation or improvement of tourism facilities, including renovation or construction of infrastructure for tourists.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Applications from provincial or federal government organizations.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Atlantic Canada
Selection criteria
- Projects that expand winter and shoulder-season tourism.
- Projects that grow tourism in rural and remote communities.
- Projects that increase Indigenous tourism or promote inclusiveness, especially for the LGBTQ2 community.
- Projects that support skills development, job creation, and environmental and economic sustainability.
How to apply
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Contact Program Officer
- Reach out to your designated program officer to discuss your project needs and ensure alignment with the fund's priorities.
- Step 2: Prepare Project Proposal
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal that aligns with one or more of the five fund priorities.
- Include details on how your project supports tourism growth and diversification.
- Highlight potential contributions to skill development, job creation, and environmental and economic sustainability.
- Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
- Compile necessary supporting documents, such as financial statements, evidence of previous experience, and letters of support from partners.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Complete the application form as required by the funding body.
- Submit the proposal and all supporting documents by the stated deadline.
- Step 5: Await Confirmation
- Receive confirmation of receipt of your application from the funding body.
- Note any reference number provided for future correspondence.
Additional information
Here is an additional relevant detail for this grant:
- For best practices and optimal proposal crafting, contacting a program officer to discuss specific project needs and alignment with fund priorities is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) Program
What is the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF)?
The Canadian Experiences Fund provides $58.5 million over two years to support communities across Canada in creating, improving, or enhancing tourism products, facilities, and experiences. Eligible projects include tourism product development, market readiness training, and creating or improving tourism facilities.
How much funding can be received?
Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2021.
Who is eligible for the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) program?
To be eligible for the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) program, you must:
Non-profits, businesses, associations, and local or Indigenous governments.
Projects must support tourism growth.
Provincial and federal governments are not eligible.
What expenses are eligible under Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF)?
Planning and development of tourism products and services.
Market readiness training for tourism businesses.
Creation or improvement of tourism facilities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF)?
You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Where is the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) available?
The Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.