How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $500000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Tourism Business Development Fund (TBDF)?

Tourism Business Development Fund (TBDF) is funded by Gouvernement du Québec

What are Tourism Business Development Fund (TBDF)'s eligibility criterias?

The fund is intended for existing or startup tourism sector companies, including for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and business groups. Companies in the process of recovery are not eligible. Projects must enhance the customer experience, support the development of an original, attractive, and sustainable tourism offer, and contribute to regional economic stimulation.

Tourism Business Development Fund (TBDF)

Last Update: May 13, 2025

QC, Canada

Tourism Enterprise Development Fund enhances tourism offerings and activities

Tourism Business Development Fund (TBDF) at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $50,000 to $500,000
Up to 10% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : February 26, 2024

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

Accommodation and food services

Grant Providers

Gouvernement du Québec

Status

Open

Overview of the Tourism Business Development Fund (TBDF) program

The Fonds de développement des entreprises touristiques (FDET) offers financial support up to $500,000 to enhance competitiveness and innovation in the tourism sector, including projects that attract new clientele and extend operational periods. Eligible activities focus on creating original, attractive, and sustainable tourism offerings to stimulate regional economies and employ new technologies for broader reach.

Financing terms and conditions

The Tourism Business Development Fund provides structured financial support to foster growth in the tourism sector through a variety of funding mechanisms tailored to the needs of qualifying projects.

Financial assistance is available in the form of a loan, a bridge loan, or a promissory note.
The minimum financial intervention amount is $50,000.
The maximum financial intervention amount is $500,000.
A private source contribution of between 10% and 20% is mandatory.
The maximum duration of financial intervention is 7 years.
There is a possibility of a capital repayment moratorium.

Eligible projects & activities

This fund aims to support innovative projects that enhance the tourism offer by attracting new clientele and extending the operational period of tourism enterprises. Eligible projects should enrich the client experience and stimulate regional economies.

Projects that enhance the customer experience at tourism destinations.
Development of original and attractive tourism offers that complement existing ones.
Projects that respect sustainable development and promote regional growth and innovation.
Initiatives that boost regional performance, innovation, and visibility.
Efforts that generate employment and increase the number of visitors and tourism revenues.
Innovative projects that leverage new technologies like mobile applications, platforms, and websites to enhance tourism offerings.

Eligibility criteria of the Tourism Business Development Fund (TBDF) program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed projects.

The applicant must be an existing or start-up business in the tourism sector.
The applicant must be one of the following:
A for-profit business
A non-profit organization
A cooperative
A consortium of businesses
The business must not be undergoing a restructuring process.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the Fonds de développement des entreprises touristiques (FDET) are:

Existing or startup businesses in the tourism sector, including for-profit enterprises, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and business groupings.
Businesses that are not in a restructuring process.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies primarily due to their financial status. The restrictions ensure that funding supports robust and stable tourism initiatives.

Companies in the process of financial restructuring or recovery.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific eligible expenses directly related to capital expenditures and the acquisition of necessary technologies and software.

Costs directly related to capital expenditures such as land, building, and equipment/machinery.
Expenses for the acquisition of technologies, software, and integrated software solutions.
Working capital to support business operations during the first year in the context of a startup or expansion.
Exceptionally, equity investment in a business or for the purchase or repurchase of business shares.

Eligibility criteria of the Tourism Business Development Fund (TBDF) program

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives of enhancing the tourism sector.

The economic viability of the project, assessed based on:
Competence and experience of the entrepreneur.
Future prospects and permanence of the project.
Entrepreneurial profile.
Borrowing history.
Touristic relevance of the project.
Potential to attract a tourist clientele.
Contribution to improving tourism revenues.
Contribution to extending the operational period of tourism businesses.
Contribution to diversifying the regional offer.
Capital contribution from sources other than the promoter’s investment (desirable).
Support, technical and/or financial, from local development organizations.
If the region has a tourism excellence niche (ACCORD initiative), the project must be considered a priority.
Ability of the promoter to obtain all required authorizations and permits.
Compliance with sustainable development principles.

How to apply to the Tourism Business Development Fund (TBDF) program

Research on Eligibility

Check that your business meets the eligibility criteria for tourist businesses.

Preparation of the application file

Describe the project by highlighting its innovative nature and its ability to increase the tourist offer.
Include an analysis of eligible expenses, such as land acquisitions, buildings, or technologies.
Indicate the amount of funding requested and detail the contribution of own funds or other sources.
Highlight the project's potential to invigorate the region and stimulate the local economy.

Collection of supporting documents

Include the entrepreneurial profile showing the skills and experience of the entrepreneur.
Provide a borrowing history and financial projections.
Obtain letters of technical and financial support from local development organizations.

Transmission of the request

Send your application package by email to fdet@filaction.qc.ca.
Contact the number 1 888 525-2075, option 4 for any assistance during the application submission process.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The financial assistance is available in the form of a loan, a bridge loan, or a promissory note.
The minimum financial intervention amount is $50,000, with a maximum of $500,000.
A private source contribution is mandatory, ranging from 10% to 20%.
The maximum duration for financial intervention is 7 years with a possible moratorium on capital repayment.