Closed
CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF)
Funding for tourism projects and events in Thunder Bay
Last Update: May 1, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 33% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Retail trade
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Thunder Bay
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
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.
- Planning, consulting, and professional fees.
- Construction, renovation, and capital enhancement costs.
- Event venue, production, transportation, and speaker costs.
- 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
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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.
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)?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF)?
You can contact Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission 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.
Is the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is a Other Support