RTO3 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program

• Completed online application form
• Memorandum of Understanding
• Proof of operating permits
• Proof of active CRA Business Number, where applicable
• Supporting project information and materials requested for the specific partnership

Who is eligible?

• Legal incorporated tourism businesses
• Tourism organizations and event organizations
• Destination Marketing Organizations
• Associations, interest groups, and municipalities representing tourism partners
• Restaurants, culinary businesses, and food and beverage artisans or producers for certification support

Who is not eligible

• Franchises or chain businesses
• For-profit or not-for-profit organizations without a tourism-focused product or activity
• Municipal entities for certification support partnerships
• Destination Management/Marketing Organizations for certification support partnerships

Eligible expenses

• Eligible project costs covered through partner cash contributions and matching co-investment
• FeastOn certification fees for eligible businesses
• Influencer service fees under eligible collaboration projects
• Professional photography session costs under the photography partnership
• Participation costs for approved marketing and product development partnerships

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• In-kind contributions
• Costs funded by other Ontario government programs for the same project
• Partnerships with franchises or chain businesses
• Projects or businesses without a tourism-focused product or activity
• Direct payments or reimbursements from RTO3 to partners

Eligible geographic areas

• City of Hamilton
• City of Burlington
• Town of Oakville
• Town of Milton
• Town of Halton Hills
• City of Brantford
• County of Brant
• Six Nations of the Grand River
• Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

• Alignment with program criteria and partner eligibility
• Equitable distribution across sub-regions and partner types
• Order of submission received

• Step 1: Review opportunity details
  • Read the specific partnership details, structure, and instructions.
  • Confirm the opportunity matches your tourism project.
• Step 2: Prepare application
  • Gather the required business and project information.
  • Make sure your organization meets the eligibility requirements for the opportunity.
• Step 3: Submit online form
  • Complete the designated online application form for the chosen partnership.
  • Submit the form through the RTO3 website during the intake window.
• Step 4: Follow-up and approval process
  • Wait for contact from the relevant RTO3 team member, usually within two weeks.
  • If approved, complete the invoice payment and sign the MOU to activate the partnership.

• Applications are reviewed against program criteria, partner eligibility, regional distribution, and order of submission.
• Applicants are notified of the outcome after the review is complete.
• Approved partners receive an invoice and must sign an MOU to confirm participation.
• Project activities begin only after payment is received and the agreement is in place.
• Partners must support reporting on project results and performance metrics.

• Applications must be submitted through the designated online form; email submissions are not accepted.
• Multiple applications are permitted, subject to availability and program fit.
• A signed Memorandum of Understanding is required for approved partnerships.
• Partnerships are subject to RTO3 and Ministry reporting requirements.