Indigenous Business Advisors

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Indigenous Business Advisors a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Indigenous Business Advisors is a Expert Advice

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Indigenous Business Advisors?

Indigenous Business Advisors is funded by Indigenous Tourism Ontario

Q: Who is eligible for the Indigenous Business Advisors program?

To be eligible for the Indigenous Business Advisors program, you must: • Must be an Indigenous-owned and controlled business, community, or organization interested in advancing Indigenous tourism in Ontario.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Business Advisors?

You can contact Indigenous Tourism Ontario.

Q: Where is the Indigenous Business Advisors available?

The Indigenous Business Advisors program is available the province of ON.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Indigenous Business Advisors program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Indigenous Business Advisors program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Assistance for Indigenous tourism businesses in Ontario

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : March 3, 2023

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Access training, coaching and mentoring from industry leading Indigenous tourism professionals to support the success of your business operations.

Activities funded

The Indigenous Business Advisors (IBA) program offers various initiatives and activities aimed at enhancing Indigenous tourism businesses and communities through consultation, mentorship, and resource support. These activities focus on product development, workforce empowerment, marketing advancement, and cultural authenticity.

One-on-one consultation and mentoring from Indigenous Business Advisors.
Access to the Booker platform to reduce booking fees for local businesses.
Community Tourism Awareness Program workshops delivered by IBAs.
Participation in the Skode Program, a business incubator with mentorship opportunities.
Assistance in sourcing and applying for funding opportunities through the TRF Fund.
IBA-led Excellence Workshops for skill enhancement in service, leadership, and coaching.
Employer-To-Employee Events for networking within the Indigenous tourism sector.
Support from the Indigenous Cultural Integrity Advisory Committee for cultural authenticity in tourism.
Participation in marketing and branding events organized by Indigenous Tourism Ontario.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 16,000

Host a series of Excellence Workshops

$ 12,000

Participate in National Indigenous Tourism Marketing Event

$ 12,800

Organize E2E networking events for tourism professionals

$ 20,000

Develop a mobile-friendly booking platform to reduce booking fees

$ 17,600

Attend international trade show to promote Indigenous tourism

$ 14,400

Implement Community Tourism Awareness Program

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for becoming a member of ITO focus on the interest and involvement in Indigenous tourism.

Any person, community, business, or organization interested in advancing Indigenous tourism in Ontario is eligible to apply.
The organization or business should ideally have a focus or involvement in the Indigenous tourism industry.
Potential members are encouraged to participate in ITO's mission to promote and enhance Indigenous tourism in Ontario.

Who is eligible?

Individuals, communities, businesses, and organizations with an interest in promoting Indigenous tourism in Ontario are encouraged to apply for an ITO membership. This includes entities involved in various stages of business development and those seeking to enhance the Indigenous tourism industry in Ontario.

Eligible expenses

The ITO membership grant focuses on supporting initiatives that enhance the Indigenous Tourism sector in Ontario. Eligible projects aim to develop tourism products, strengthen the workforce, enhance marketing and branding efforts, and ensure cultural authenticity.

Access to programs and initiatives for developing and strengthening tourism products.
Participation in the Indigenous Business Advisor (IBA) Program for business consultation and mentoring.
Utilization of Booker, a booking platform reducing fees for local businesses.
Engagement in the Community Tourism Awareness Program (CTAP) for developing grassroots tourism initiatives.
Involvement in the Skode Program for pairing with mentors and launching new projects.
Assistance in sourcing and applying for funding such as the TRF Fund.
Attendance in Excellence Workshops for workforce development.
Participation in Employer To Employee (E2E) networking events.
Access to individualized IBA training services.
Inclusion in marketing and branding events organized by the ITO.
Participation in trade shows and industry events to build business relationships.
Access to the Cultural Integrity Advisory Committee for guidance on offering authentic tourism products.

Eligible geographic areas

The available information about the Indigenous Business Advisors program does not specify eligible geographical areas for grant applications. It primarily focuses on promoting and supporting Indigenous tourism businesses in Ontario.

Selection criteria

Here is a summary of the evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:

Complete the online application form
ITO reviews the application and approves membership

How to apply

Complete the Online Application Form

Access the ITO membership application form online.
Fill out required personal or organizational information accurately.

Application Review

Wait for ITO to review your submitted application.

Receive Approval and Membership Benefits

Receive notification of membership approval from ITO.
Begin accessing membership benefits upon approval.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for the ITO membership:

Membership is currently complimentary, implying no cost requirements for joining.
Membership renews automatically each year, simplifying continuity for members.
Membership allows access to a broad range of development programs and initiatives.
Active participation in ITO events and programs can enhance visibility and networking opportunities.
ITO aims to promote cultural authenticity in all tourism products offered by its members.
Members receive support in sourcing and applying for additional funding opportunities.

Documents and links

Indigenous Business Advisors

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Business Advisors Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Business Advisors. 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.