Indigenous Business Advisors
ON, Canada
Assistance for Indigenous tourism businesses in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 03, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Indigenous Tourism Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Access training, coaching and mentoring from industry leading Indigenous tourism professionals to support the success of your business operations.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form
- Access the ITO membership application form online.
- Fill out required personal or organizational information accurately.
- Step 2: Application Review
- Wait for ITO to review your submitted application.
- Step 3: Receive Approval and Membership Benefits
- Receive notification of membership approval from ITO.
- Begin accessing membership benefits upon approval.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Unlock Opportunities with ITO Membership
ITO offers complimentary membership opportunities for individuals, communities, businesses, and organizations dedicated to advancing Indigenous tourism in Ontario. With a focus on positive impacts for people, the environment, and the economy, ITO provides a platform for collaboration and growth in the Indigenous tourism sector.
Detailed Insights into ITO Membership Advantages
Becoming a member of Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) opens doors to a comprehensive suite of benefits tailored to foster the growth and sustainability of Indigenous tourism initiatives throughout the province. As an umbrella organization, ITO is committed to promoting, supporting, and enriching the Indigenous tourism sector through strategic, culturally relevant, and economically impactful practices. Membership with ITO aligns stakeholders with efforts to enhance tourism through its four pillars: Product Development, Workforce Development, Marketing & Branding, and Cultural Authenticity.
The Product Development pillar is geared towards empowering members with tools and resources that bolster their offerings within the Indigenous tourism ecosystem. Through programs like the Indigenous Business Advisor (IBA) Program, members receive personalized mentorship and guidance from seasoned professionals adept in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within Indigenous tourism. The Skode Program takes this a step further by incubating nascent business ideas and providing crucial mentorship to launch new initiatives effectively.
The ITO has also innovated with the 'Booker', a bespoke booking platform designed to compete with major incumbents like Expedia and Travelocity. This platform is crafted specifically to alleviate unnecessary fees, ensuring that more revenue remains with local Indigenous businesses. Additionally, the Community Tourism Awareness Program (CTAP) fosters grassroots level tourism development by offering workshops delivered in-person or online by experienced IBAs, absolutely free for members.
In terms of Workforce Development, ITO is heavily invested in equipping Indigenous youth and current tourism business operators with the skills and connections they need for future success. Through Excellence Workshops, which focus on various aspects of service and leadership, and Employer To Employee (E2E) events facilitating valuable networking opportunities, members are well-prepared to meet industry demands. Tailored training opportunities provided by IBAs ensure that the workforce is not only competent but also competitive on a global stage.
When it comes to Marketing & Branding, ITO provides significant exposure opportunities for members through participation in trade shows, industry conferences, and marketing and promotional events. The Indigenous Experience Ontario website—an industry-first—serves as a crucial platform promoting Indigenous businesses across the province. The events organized, such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and various tournaments, are not just promotional activities but are integral in fostering a strong community presence and cultural identity in the market.
Ensuring Cultural Authenticity is a cornerstone of ITO's mission. The Indigenous Cultural Integrity Advisory Committee (ICIAC) supports this objective by guiding members in offering culturally authentic experiences that respect Indigenous traditions and histories. This committee ensures products and tourism experiences are genuinely representative of indigenous heritage, thus enriching visitor experiences and reinforcing authentic cultural expressions.
Membership with ITO is a gateway to networking with over 400 active members, each offering unique Indigenous tourism experiences ranging from outdoor adventure, catering, to hospitality services. Members benefit from automatic annual renewals, making it seamless to maintain membership while focusing on business growth. With such a rich offering of benefits, ITO membership is not just a designation—it’s a strategic alliance that propels the Indigenous tourism sector forward, fostering a robust and sustainable economic environment.
