Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan

Q: How much funding can be received?

Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan is a Loans and Capital investments

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan?

Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan is funded by Government of Prince Edward Island, Finance PEI

Q: Who is eligible for the Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan program?

To be eligible for the Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan program, you must: • The business must operate in Prince Edward Island. • The applicant must hold a valid tourism establishment license, excluding bed & breakfast establishments as per the Tourism Industry Act Regulations. • The accommodation operations must have a minimum of three lodging units upon completion.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan?

You can contact Government of Prince Edward Island.

Q: Where is the Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan available?

The Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan program is available the province of PE.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

PE, Canada

Loan to finance tourism operating costs in Prince Edward Island (PEI)

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 80% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Support to help tourist facilities cover operating costs during pre-season preparation.

Financing terms and conditions

The Tourism Financing Assistance program offers comprehensive financing options to support the development and expansion of the tourism sector in Prince Edward Island. Different loan terms are tailored to align with the asset life and project needs.

Long-term capital loans for establishment, expansion, and refurbishment of tourism facilities, with a maximum term of 20 years, financing up to 80% of fair market value.
Intermediate-term loans available for asset improvements, excluding non-income generating vehicles, with a maximum term of 10 years.
Operating loans offering up to 100% financing mainly for pre-season preparations of tourist facilities.

Activities funded

This program offers financial assistance for various tourism-related projects in Prince Edward Island aimed at business growth and infrastructure improvement. Eligible activities focus on purchasing, expanding, constructing, or upgrading tourism facilities.

Purchase of an existing tourism business.
Expansion of current tourism operations.
New construction projects for tourism facilities.
Repair or updating of fixed assets.
Pre-season preparation of tourist facilities.
Establishment, expansion, and refurbishment of tourism facilities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 50,000

Development of a new heritage walking tour

$ 100,000

Installation of eco-friendly cabins for eco-tourism promotion

$ 150,000

Renovation of a historic hotel to enhance guest experience

$ 40,000

Enhancement of the cycling trail network for spring tourists

$ 200,000

Modernizing the ski lift systems at Blue Mountain to improve safety and efficiency

$ 60,000

Upgrading the camping facilities for the upcoming winter season

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business operations and licensing.

The applicant must carry on or intend to carry on a tourism business in Prince Edward Island.
The applicant must operate a tourism business other than a bed & breakfast establishment, as defined by the Tourism Industry Act Regulations (EC267/99).
The applicant must hold a valid tourism establishment license issued under the Tourism Industry Act Regulations.
Accommodation operations must include a minimum of three lodging units once complete to qualify for capital financing.

Who is eligible?

This program is designed for Prince Edward Island tourism operators who have an interest in purchasing a business, expanding, or constructing new facilities and updating fixed assets. Specifically, those who carry on business in Prince Edward Island, excluding bed & breakfast establishments as per the Tourism Industry Act Regulations, and possess a valid tourism establishment license are eligible. Applicants must also ensure their accommodation operations have a minimum of three lodging units once completed to qualify for capital financing.

Who is not eligible

This grant has certain restrictions that exclude specific types of businesses to ensure alignment with the objectives of supporting tourism operators. The following companies or activities are explicitly not eligible for this financing assistance.

Bed and breakfast establishments as defined by the Tourism Industry Act Regulations.
Tourism operations that do not hold a valid tourism establishment license.
Accommodation operations with fewer than three lodging units once completed.
Vehicles that do not directly contribute to the business's income or sales.

Eligible expenses

This grant program supports tourism operators in Prince Edward Island with initiatives to enhance their business operations and extend the tourist season. The eligible projects focus on business expansion, construction, and assets improvement in the tourism sector.

Purchase and expansion of tourism businesses.
Construction of new facilities related to tourism operations.
Repair or updating of fixed assets such as machinery, equipment, and buildings.
Creation or expansion of recreational complexes featuring entertainment facilities, lodging, and dining.
Conversion of accommodation units for alternate uses during off-season periods.
Establishment, expansion, or refurbishment of tourism facilities including restaurants, accommodations, and entertainment venues.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically designed for tourism operators located in Prince Edward Island. The eligible location is clearly defined to support regional tourism development.

Businesses operating in Prince Edward Island.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation is based on innovation, potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives.

Innovation: Uniqueness and creativity of the proposed project.
Potential Impact: Expected benefits and outcomes of the project.
Feasibility: Practicality and likelihood of project success.
Alignment with Program Objectives: Consistency with the goals and focus areas of the grant program.

How to apply

Assess Eligibility

Ensure that your business meets the grant's eligibility criteria as outlined by the Prince Edward Island program.
Verify that your tourism business holds a valid tourism establishment license.
Confirm that your project's objectives align with the grant's goals, such as extending the tourist season or refurbishing facilities.

Gather Required Documentation

Compile financial statements and business plans to support your application.
Prepare details of the assets to be financed, including their valuation and expected life span.
Collect any additional documents required, such as proof of tourism establishment license and Canada Select Accommodation Rating, if applicable.

Develop a Comprehensive Proposal

Draft a detailed project proposal that includes objectives, expected outcomes, and potential benefits to the tourism sector in Prince Edward Island.
Highlight how the project will enhance off-season tourism.

Submit the Application

Prepare and review the complete application package, ensuring all required documentation and supporting materials are included.
Submit the application through the designated channel as instructed by the fund provider.

Follow-up and Confirmation

Ensure receipt of confirmation from the funding body that your application has been submitted successfully.
Retain confirmation details and be prepared to provide additional information if requested during the review process.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Projects should focus on extending the tourist season by attracting off-Island visitors and encouraging longer stays.
Loans generally should not exceed 80% of the fair market value or purchase price of the financed asset(s).
Minimum accommodation ratings and units must be met for eligibility in financing proposals.
There are specific eligibility limitations for vehicles, focusing on those directly contributing to income or sales.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Tourism Financing Assistance — Operating Loan. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.