Open
Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund
Supports tourism projects in Sault Ste. Marie
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 50,000
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund supports tourism projects for events and product development in Sault Ste. Marie. It helps eligible applicants improve visitor attraction through events, infrastructure upgrades, marketing, and tourism product enhancements.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $50,000
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Enhance an existing program
- 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
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
- 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?
- For-profit businesses
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Educational institutions
- Government bodies
- Individual event planners
Eligible expenses
- Event delivery costs such as audio visual, rentals, entertainment, insurance, speakers, permits, photography, signage, staffing, travel, and website fees
- Marketing-related costs connected to the project
- Tourism product or infrastructure upgrades and new development costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Retroactive expenses
- Alcohol and cannabis
- Food and beverage
- Contingency funds, donations, sponsorship contributions, fines, penalties, debt, and loan repayments
- Ongoing operating costs, non-tourism maintenance, prizes, and unauthorized travel or accommodation
Eligible geographic areas
- Sault Ste. Marie
- The immediate Sault Ste. Marie area
Activities funded
- Festivals, special events, conferences, and sporting tournaments
- Tourism product development, including new or improved attractions, infrastructure, business offerings, and visitor experiences
- Projects that increase visitor stays and tourism activity in Sault Ste. Marie
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the online intake form
- Submit the short online application form for the relevant stream.
- Step 2: Eligibility review
- Staff review the submission to determine whether the project meets program criteria.
- Step 3: Full application invitation
- If eligible, complete the full application with staff support.
- Step 4: Review and approval
- The project is assessed and, if approved, moves forward through the funding process.
Documents Needed
- Short online intake form
- Detailed budget
- Project plan and timeline
- Supporting information showing visitor attraction potential
Selection criteria
- Potential to attract visitors and increase overnight stays
- Alignment with Tourism Sault Ste. Marie priorities
- Clear project plan, budget, and delivery capacity
- Tourism impact, partnerships, and long-term sustainability
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by Tourism Department staff.
- Eligible projects are scored and recommended funding levels are determined.
- Some projects are presented to the Tourism Sault Ste. Marie Board of Directors.
- Final approval timing can take up to three months and funding is paid after completion and verification.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Only one application per stream may be approved within 12 months.
- Project changes and cancellations must be reported to the City.
- A final project report is required after completion.
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund Program
What is the Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund?
The Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund supports tourism projects for events and product development in Sault Ste. Marie. It helps eligible applicants improve visitor attraction through events, infrastructure upgrades, marketing, and tourism product enhancements.
How much funding can be received?
Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund program?
To be eligible for the Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund program, you must:
Tourism-focused project in Sault Ste. Marie
Shows visitor attraction potential
Submitted through the intake form
What expenses are eligible under Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund?
Event delivery costs such as audio visual, rentals, entertainment, insurance, speakers, permits, photography, signage, staffing, travel, and website fees
Marketing-related costs connected to the project
Tourism product or infrastructure upgrades and new development costs
Who can I contact for more information about the Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund?
You can contact City of Sault Ste. Marie.
Where is the Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund available?
The Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Development Fund program is available the province of Ontario.