Open
CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF)
Funding for tourism projects and events in Thunder Bay
Offered by Official source: visitthunderbay.com
Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC)
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 500,000
- Up to 33% of project cost
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The program provides up to $500,000 for tourism planning, business development, capital enhancement, and related projects in Thunder Bay. It also supports tourism events and marketing initiatives that attract visitors and strengthen the local tourism economy.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $500,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 33%
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Access new markets
- Reach a new target audience
- Launch or market a product/service
- Renovate or expand facilities
- Ensure financial sustainability
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Thunder Bay
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- All groups
- Legal structures
- All legal structures
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian legal entities.
- Not-for-profit organizations.
- For-profit businesses.
- Tourism businesses and organizations.
Who is not eligible
- Non-Canadian legal entities.
- Applicants seeking support for online event delivery.
- Applicants with a primary target audience in Thunder Bay for marketing development.
Eligible expenses
- Marketing and advertising (to out-of-town markets)
- Venue expenses
- Local transportation
- Event performers/speakers (relating to key note speakers, headliners)
- Production costs (rental equipment)
- Capital enhancements relating to the event
- Hosting fees for events considered blockbusters (see above – event eligibility)
- Live stream support and production costs required by a sanctioned sport governing body as a condition of hosting the event
- Locally produced welcome/athlete kit items (capped at $10 per participant)
- Other expenses deemed eligible that attract visitors or enhance the visitor experience
- Artist fees, supplies, installation, and equipment for murals
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Alcohol.
- Prizes and awards.
- Salaries for event organizers.
- Online event delivery.
- Political contributions.
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Thunder Bay, Ontario
Activities funded
- Tourism events that attract out-of-town visitors.
- Tourism planning, feasibility studies, and strategic plans.
- Tourism business development, expansion, or capital improvements.
- Tourism marketing development for visitor-facing campaigns.
- Outdoor mural installations within Thunder Bay.
How to apply
- Step 1: Submit the short form application online.
- Tourism Thunder Bay staff complete a preliminary review.
- They confirm whether the project appears eligible.
- Step 2: Complete the long form application.
- If eligible, staff email the long form application.
- Applicants submit the completed long form to CEDC staff by email.
- Step 3: Committee review.
- The Tourism Investment Committee reviews complete applications.
- Some applicants may be asked to present briefly.
- Step 4: Decision and agreement.
- Applicants receive the funding decision after the meeting.
- Approved applicants sign a funding agreement.
Selection criteria
- Alignment with Tourism Thunder Bay and CEDC values.
- Visitor impact, including overnight stays and room nights.
- Economic impact, marketing effectiveness, and media exposure.
- Financial viability, sustainability, and leveraged funding.
- Project uniqueness, partnerships, and growth potential.
Processing and Agreement
- Short form application is reviewed first for eligibility.
- Eligible files move to a long form application for committee review.
- The Tourism Investment Committee reviews and evaluates the application.
- Funding decisions are sent within two weeks of the committee meeting.
- Approved applicants must sign a legal funding agreement and submit a final report for the last holdback.
Additional information
- The program is discretionary and has limited funding.
- Approved applicants must sign a legal funding agreement.
- A final report and evaluation metrics are required for the final holdback.
- Approved projects may receive promotional support from Tourism Thunder Bay.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) Program
What is the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF)?
The program provides up to $500,000 for tourism planning, business development, capital enhancement, and related projects in Thunder Bay. It also supports tourism events and marketing initiatives that attract visitors and strengthen the local tourism economy.
How much funding can be received?
CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) Funds up to 33% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) program?
To be eligible for the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) program, you must:
Canadian legal entity
Tourism-focused project
Meets timing requirements
What expenses are eligible under CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF)?
Marketing and advertising (to out-of-town markets)
Venue expenses
Local transportation
Event performers/speakers (relating to key note speakers, headliners)
Production costs (rental equipment)
Capital enhancements relating to the event
Hosting fees for events considered blockbusters (see above – event eligibility)
Live stream support and production costs required by a sanctioned sport governing body as a condition of hosting the event
Locally produced welcome/athlete kit items (capped at $10 per participant)
Other expenses deemed eligible that attract visitors or enhance the visitor experience
Artist fees, supplies, installation, and equipment for murals
Who can I contact for more information about the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF)?
You can contact Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) or by phone at 807-983-2041.
Where is the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) available?
The CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) program is available the province of Ontario.