Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program
Funding for tourism growth projects in Port Colborne
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Latest source updateLast Update: August 18, 2026Latest change: The Tourism Accelerator Grant page now shows a September 16, 2026 second-intake deadline, a later decision date, and a higher holdback until completion and final reporting.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 18, 2026
Latest change: The Tourism Accelerator Grant page now shows a September 16, 2026 second-intake deadline, a later decision date, and a higher holdback until completion and final reporting.
TAG intake deadline and holdback changed
The Tourism Accelerator Grant now sets the second intake deadline at 5:00 pm EST on September 16, 2026, replacing the earlier April 30, 2026 date, and final funding decisions are now due by the end of September 2026 instead of the end of May 2026. The funding conditions were also revised so that at least 50% of approved funding is held back until the project is completed and the final report is submitted, up from 10%. The application instructions now tie final submission to the September 16, 2026 deadline for the second intake.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Tourism Accelerator Grant supports projects that expand Port Colborne’s tourism offerings and strengthen its appeal as a destination, with up to $10,000 in support per project. It funds activities such as product development, events, marketing, sustainability initiatives, and related planning or implementation costs.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Port Colborne
- 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
- Developing a new tourism product or business plan
- Creating a market-ready visitor experience
- Hosting a new tourism event or expanding an existing one
- Partnering on marketing to promote Port Colborne
- Implementing sustainability or workforce training initiatives
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project budget file
- Attestation/signature by an authorized representative
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Public sector agencies
- Indigenous individuals, Indigenous-owned businesses, and eligible Indigenous not-for-profit organizations or associations
Eligible expenses
- Research and consulting services for feasibility or business planning
- Capital and infrastructure development costs, including construction, materials, and project supplies
- Equipment rental, lease, or purchase, including signage
- Licenses, permits, software, and design costs
- Event hosting fees, artist or speaker fees, marketing, advertising, and training costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before January 1, 2026 or after December 31, 2026
- Existing overhead, staffing, administrative expenses, and ongoing maintenance
- Professional fees, financing charges, interest, taxes eligible for rebates, and in-kind or donated goods and services
- Food, hospitality, travel, accommodations, alcohol, prizes, fines, and penalties
- Land, facilities, vehicles, intangible assets, and unapproved capital acquisitions
Eligible geographic areas
- Port Colborne, Ontario
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the City’s Tourism Strategy
- Ability to grow visitation, spending, or employment
- Potential to stimulate demand during shoulder seasons
- Collaboration or partnerships with local businesses
- Marketing impact through Niagara’s South Coast or visitor reach beyond 40 kilometres
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare your application
- Develop the project idea and draft the application.
- Optional: email the draft to tourism@portcolborne.ca for brief feedback and guidance.
- Step 2: Submit online
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- Written applications may be accepted by special request.
- Submit by the April 30, 2026 deadline.
- Step 3: After submission
- Applications are reviewed by an evaluation panel after the deadline.
- Final funding decisions are made by the end of May 2026.
- Step 4: If approved
- Sign the contribution agreement before funds are released.
- Complete the project and submit the final report with supporting documents.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications received by the deadline date will be reviewed and ranked by an evaluation panel using a matrix of pre-established criteria.
- Final decisions on funding awards by the evaluation panel will be made by the end of September 2026 and are not subject to appeal.
- Projects approved for funding will be formalized through contribution agreements outlining all terms and conditions, including proof-of-insurance requirements.
- All contribution agreements must be signed by an individual with designated signing authority for the business or organization, and the disbursement of funding will not take place until both parties sign the contribution agreement; material changes to the project that differ from the approved application will require prior approval before any grant funds are spent.
- Successful applicants must complete a final report using the template provided by the City and submit copies of invoices, receipts, and proof of payment for all eligible costs covered by the grant; grant funds must be returned to the City if they are not used for the project’s approved purpose, not spent on eligible costs, or not utilized within the calendar year, and grant funds cannot be carried over from one year to the next.
Additional information
- A second intake may be offered if funds remain available.
- Applications for tourism events or festivals must be submitted at least 60 days before the start date or by the deadline, whichever comes first.
- Approved projects require a contribution agreement and proof of insurance.
- Recipients must publicly acknowledge the City’s funding support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program Program
What is the Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program?
The Tourism Accelerator Grant supports projects that expand Port Colborne’s tourism offerings and strengthen its appeal as a destination, with up to $10,000 in support per project. It funds activities such as product development, events, marketing, sustainability initiatives, and related planning or implementation costs.
How much funding can be received?
Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program program?
To be eligible for the Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program program, you must:
Incorporated and in good standing with the City of Port Colborne.
Project carried out in Port Colborne.
Minimum 50% financial contribution required.
What expenses are eligible under Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program?
Developing a new tourism product or business plan
Creating a market-ready visitor experience
Hosting a new tourism event or expanding an existing one
Partnering on marketing to promote Port Colborne
Implementing sustainability or workforce training initiatives
Who can I contact for more information about the Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program?
You can contact City of Port Colborne by email at tourism@portcolborne.ca.
Where is the Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program available?
The Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program is a Grant and Funding