Tourism Growth Program in Atlantic Canada
NS, Canada
The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over 3 years to support the development of local tourism products and experiences in Canada.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over three years to support the development of local tourism products and experiences across Canada, positioning it as a year-round destination for travelers. Eligible applicants, including SMEs, Indigenous businesses, non-profit organizations, and municipal governments, can receive funding for activities that enhance tourism offerings, promote sustainability, extend the tourism season, and drive visitation from urban to rural areas.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available for companies and organizations located in Atlantic Canada as identified by the funding body ACOA. These locations are strategically chosen to enhance tourism growth and economic development in the region.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$160,000
Organize a cultural festival to promote local arts
$176,000
Develop an off-season wellness retreat
$200,000
Develop a year-round adventure tourism experience
$144,000
Create a sustainable tourism action plan for Banff
$240,000
Enhance accessible tourism facilities at Whistler resorts
$120,000
Implement digital ticketing systems for festivals
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the type of organization or business applying.
- The applicant must be an incorporated small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) operating in the tourism industry.
- The applicant can be an Indigenous-owned business, including Indigenous sole proprietorships or Indigenous tourism organizations.
- The applicant can also be a non-profit organization, such as tourism associations and organizations, or post-secondary institutions.
- Government entities, including municipal, provincial, and territorial governments and related entities, are eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Tourism Growth Program include incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry, Indigenous-owned businesses or Indigenous tourism organizations, non-profit organizations (including tourism associations and organizations, and post-secondary institutions), and governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities).
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Tourism Growth Program supports projects that enhance tourism offerings in Atlantic Canada by focusing on innovation, technology, and sustainable business growth. These projects aim to attract tourists year-round and improve the overall tourism experience in the region.
- Improving or creating innovative tourism offerings or products.
- Investing in digitization or technology integration to enhance productivity, sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness.
- Developing and delivering new products, services, or experiences to increase tourism activity outside the traditional high season or extend services year-round.
- Enhancing accessibility and creating a welcoming environment for diverse clientele.
- Developing and implementing sustainable tourism plans based on research and market analysis.
- Improving local assets and facilities for key active outdoor tourism experiences.
- Facilitating the growth of off-season tourism through promotion and expansion of tourism products and services.
- Supporting the delivery of festivals and events that attract tourists.
- Increasing capacity for tourism businesses to provide inclusive tourism experiences.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant supports expenses directly enhancing tourism offerings, improving sustainability, and increasing off-season tourism activities.
- Investments in digitization or technology integration for increased productivity and sustainability.
- Development of new products or services to extend tourism activities year-round.
- Enhancement of accessibility to create inclusive tourism experiences.
- Improvement and creation of innovative tourism offerings.
- Development of sustainable tourism plans based on research and market analysis.
- Improvements to local assets and facilities for active outdoor tourism experiences.
- Facilitation of growth of off-season tourism through promotion and expansion activities.
- Support for festivals and events to attract tourists.
- Capacity building for inclusive tourism experiences for businesses.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Tourism Growth Program grant.
- Increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban centers to rural areas
- Support the Indigenous tourism industry
- Support economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability
- Support active outdoor experiences
- Extend the tourism season by promoting and/or developing products, services or experiences aimed at increasing tourism activity outside the traditional high season or extending services year-round
- Complement supports provided through provincial/territorial programs
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria to ensure your organization can apply.
- Determine if your project aligns with the program’s priorities, such as increasing tourism benefits, supporting Indigenous tourism, and economic sustainability.
- Step 2: Contact ACOA Business Information Services
- Call the ACOA Business Information Services at 1-888-576-4444 to discuss your project and receive guidance on the application process.
- Email ACOA for further inquiries based on your location: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Outside Atlantic Canada.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the relevant application form provided by ACOA.
- Ensure all sections are completed, and all required information is included.
- Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documentation
- Compile necessary documents such as detailed project proposal, budgets, and timelines.
- Include any supporting letters or evidence that will strengthen your application.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application form and supporting documents to ACOA via the method advised.
- Ensure submission is made before any specified deadlines.
- Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of submission from ACOA.
- Retain confirmation details for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant focuses heavily on enhancing local tourism products and experiences by funding various activities and initiatives. Both repayable and non-repayable contributions are available depending on the type of applicant.
- Support efforts to diversify regional economies through tourism investments.
- Approximately 15% of the funding is allocated to Indigenous-led tourism initiatives.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises' contributions are normally repayable, while non-profit organizations' contributions are typically non-repayable.
- Aiming to extend the tourism season outside of traditional periods.
- Promote sustainability in economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-888-576-4444
Apply to this program
Boosting Tourism Growth in Atlantic Canada
The Tourism Growth Program is aimed at enhancing the tourism sector in Atlantic Canada by providing financial assistance to businesses, Indigenous organizations, and non-profits. This initiative seeks to diversify the regional economy and position Canada as a top destination for all-season travel.
Funding Opportunities and Strategic Growth through the Tourism Growth Program
The Tourism Growth Program serves as a pivotal initiative designed to foster economic development in Atlantic Canada's tourism sector. By committing a substantial $10.6 million out of a national $108 million investment, this program underscores its importance in diversifying the regional economy. It aligns with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a robust path for sustainable growth and stability in Canada's tourism industry across every province and territory.
Key to the program's success is its collaborative approach. The program is administered by Canada’s regional development agencies like ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), working in tandem with provincial governments and tourism stakeholders. This collaboration ensures that funding and initiatives are complementary to existing provincial and territorial programs, thereby maximizing the impact on the tourism industry throughout Atlantic Canada.
The strategic aim of the Tourism Growth Program is manifold. It not only supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the tourism industry but also places a substantial emphasis on Indigenous tourism initiatives. Indigenous tourism, highlighted as a priority area, is supported by allocating approximately 15% of the total TGP funds to Indigenous-led projects, underscoring the program's commitment to inclusive economic development.
Eligible projects under this program are diverse but share a common goal of enhancing tourism offerings that increase regional and national visitation. Emphasis is placed on projects that drive tourists from urban centers to rural and remote areas, thus spreading economic benefits more evenly across communities. The program encourages initiatives that expand the tourism season, offering additional or enhanced products/services that extend tourism activities beyond the traditional peak seasons.
Furthermore, projects focusing on sustainability—whether economic, environmental, or cultural—are prized. By promoting active outdoor experiences, enhancing accessibility, and creating welcoming environments for diverse clientele, the program aims to cultivate a tourism industry that is both inclusive and future-forward. Additionally, technological advancement and digital transformation projects are encouraged to improve productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness within the sector.
Financial assistance under the Tourism Growth Program varies depending on the type of applicant. For SMEs, contributions are typically repayable, supporting their business growth while ensuring fiscal responsibility. On the other hand, non-profit organizations often benefit from non-repayable contributions, enabling them to drive community-focused tourism initiatives without the pressure of financial reimbursement.
The Tourism Growth Program also acts as a catalyst for local economic development by supporting community-led projects that enhance local tourism assets, improve facilities, and plan for active outdoor experiences that appeal to both domestic and international visitors. By supporting festivals and events, the program further helps to position Atlantic Canada as a dynamic and attractive destination.
Overall, the Tourism Growth Program is a crucial instrument for stimulating innovation, enhancing visitor experiences, and ultimately building a robust tourism industry in Atlantic Canada. By leveraging these funds, communities and businesses can not only enhance their offerings but also contribute significantly to a vibrant and sustainable economic future. As such, the TGP is not just a funding opportunity but a strategic investment in the economic and cultural fabric of Atlantic Canada.
