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Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program

Funding for tourism growth projects in Port Colborne

Offered by

City of Port Colborne

Official source: portcolborne.ca

Source change captured August 22, 2026

Funding available: $ 10,000; Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline: Unspecified
Location: Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply: For-profit businesses; See full eligibility

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding: $10,000
Maximum share of project costs: 50%

Financing goals

Develop strategic partnerships
Develop a new program or service
Increase social or community impact
Enhance an existing program
Develop a new product or service
Develop an online presence
Reduce environmental footprint
Develop workforce skills
Access new markets
Reach a new target audience
Launch or market a product/service
Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Renovate or expand facilities
Conduct research or evaluation activities
Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location: Port Colborne
Ontario
Eligible Industries: All industries
Annual revenue: All revenue ranges
Organisation size: All organization sizes
Audience: All groups
Legal structures: All legal structures

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026

Periods: 2

Latest changes

August 22, 2026

Tourism Accelerator Grant application form reduced

The Tourism Accelerator Grant application form now shows only the title and generic browser text, with the submission form fields and upload instructions no longer visible.

The Tourism Accelerator Grant application form at this source no longer shows the submission fields, required questions, budget upload instructions, or attestation section. It now retains only the form title and generic browser compatibility text, so the grant application cannot be completed from this page as shown. The program-guidelines and sample-budget links that were embedded in the form are also no longer visible.

Official source: forms.portcolborne.ca

August 22, 2026

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

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

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.

Documents Needed

Completed application form
Project budget file
Attestation/signature by an authorized representative

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

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

tourism@portcolborne.ca

Official sources

Tourism Accelerator Grant

Application form

Tourism Accelerator Grant - Application Form Tourism Accelerator Grant Sample Budget

Other relevant PDF

Tourism Strategy and Tactical PLAN

Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program Program

What is the Tourism Accelerator Grant (TAG) Program?

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?

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