Tourism Growth Program in British Columbia
BC, Canada
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides funding to support the growth and development of tourism projects in British Columbia.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Pacific Economic Development Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) in British Columbia aims to assist small and medium-sized businesses, tourism organizations, and communities in developing tourism products and experiences that enhance Canada's attractiveness as a destination. Eligible activities include improving and creating innovative tourism offerings, supporting marketing and promotion, and developing sustainable tourism plans. Preference is given to projects with high impact, lasting benefits, and strong community alignment.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically targeted towards companies located in British Columbia, as it is managed by PacifiCan, the regional development agency dedicated to supporting economic growth in this province.
- Businesses operating in British Columbia.
- Not-for-profit organizations based in British Columbia.
- Indigenous-owned businesses situated in British Columbia.
- Entities incorporated in the province of British Columbia.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$150,000
Promoting eco-tourism with a sustainable whale watching tour
$125,000
Developing an immersive digital tour of Stanley Park
$200,000
Implementing a shoulder season wine tour program
$125,000
Creating an accessible hiking trail to enhance inclusive tourism
$200,000
Designing a new cultural heritage museum to attract diverse visitors
$105,000
Enhancing digital marketing for a new virtual reality tour
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and status.
- The applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
- For businesses, they must be financially viable and have been operating for a minimum of two years in British Columbia.
- Restaurants, accommodation, and retail businesses are generally not eligible unless they are an anchor for a tourism community.
- Eligible applicants include incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous-owned businesses, and governments.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Tourism Growth Program in British Columbia is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not-for-profit organizations, including tourism associations and organizations, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous-owned businesses, Indigenous organizations, and government entities at municipal, provincial, and related levels. Businesses must be financially viable and have operated for at least two years in British Columbia, with specific considerations for Indigenous applicants, who have 15% of the program's funding earmarked for Indigenous tourism initiatives.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Tourism Growth Program in British Columbia excludes certain companies and industries from eligibility based on their primary business activities and other restrictions. These exclusions ensure that funds are allocated to entities that align with the program's objectives to enhance tourism growth.
- Restaurants that do not serve as an anchor for a tourism community.
- Accommodation providers not serving as a key component of tourism in their area.
- Retail businesses not significant to the tourism market.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Tourism Growth Program promotes the enhancement and expansion of tourism projects in British Columbia. Eligible activities focus on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement to boost tourism attractions and experiences across various sectors.
- Improving and/or creating innovative tourism offerings for domestic and international visitors.
- Supporting digitization, automation, or technology integration for enhancing SME productivity and efficiency.
- Promoting tourism products, including digital and virtual reality experiences.
- Extending the tourism season by developing and delivering shoulder season products.
- Enhancing tourism inclusivity by improving accessibility of tourism assets and conducting staff training for diverse clientele.
- Developing and/or implementing sustainable tourism plans based on market research.
- Implementing local tourism plans aimed at improving local assets and facilities, including key infrastructure like trails.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the grant are those directly necessary for the implementation and success of the project.
- Infrastructure upgrades, such as trail development and leasehold improvements.
- Costs incurred in designing new or improved tourism products and services.
- Purchase and/or rental of machinery and equipment directly related to the authorized project.
- Professional services, including project implementation, design, and engineering services.
- Costs related to community engagement and planning such as facilitation and rental of meeting space.
- Marketing costs associated with a larger project that is not solely marketing, such as design, promotional materials, advertising, digital media content, product demonstrations, participation at trade shows, and website development, design, and improvement.
- Acquisition of new technology that will improve performance and productivity.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Tourism Growth Program grant are based on specific criteria to ensure they align with the program's objectives and priorities.
- Demonstration of high impact through job creation or maintenance, increased visitors, and strong revenue growth.
- Lasting impact with benefits extending beyond the life of the project.
- Alignment with community or regional tourism strategies for businesses, or supporting multiple communities and high-value collaborations for not-for-profits.
- Strong leverage, with businesses seeking 50% or less funding from PacifiCan and not-for-profits seeking 65% or less.
- Consideration of the overall regional distribution of projects to ensure widespread benefit.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Preliminary Research
- Review the Tourism Growth Program guidelines to ensure your project aligns with priorities and requirements.
- Ensure that your organization qualifies as an eligible applicant.
- Step 2: Application Preparation
- Complete the required Application Form with detailed project information.
- Gather Financial Statements for the past two years (including the most current).
- Prepare Interim Financial Statements for the past six months.
- Develop a Detailed Budget outlining all projected costs.
- Collect evidence of other confirmed funding sources, including letters of confirmation or financial statements.
- Ensure all documentation is thorough and addresses the priority areas identified by the program.
- Step 3: Application Submission
- Log into PacifiCan’s portal to submit your application.
- Upload all required documents, ensuring all information is complete and accurate.
- Submit the application form through the portal.
- Ensure completion before the application period ends, as incomplete or unsubmitted applications will not be assessed.
- Step 4: Application Confirmation
- Receive confirmation of submission through the portal.
- Keep track of your application by checking the "View Submissions" tab in the portal.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Government of Canada’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP) aims to foster the development of tourism products and experiences by providing targeted funding over three years through regional development agencies, including PacifiCan.
- The TGP program is now closed for new applications, and the assessment of submitted applications is in progress.
- The program includes both repayable contributions for businesses and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profit organizations.
- Preference is given to high-impact projects with lasting benefits, strong community alignment, and significant leverage.
- Eligible projects must be completed by March 31, 2026.
- Recipients must sign a Contribution Agreement with PacifiCan and provide periodic progress reports.
- Eligible costs can be retroactive up to 12 months prior to the application date, but not earlier than March 29, 2023.
- All non-PacifiCan sources of project funding must be confirmed at the time of application.
- Contact information: 604-666-6256 or 1-888-338-9378 (toll-free), email: info@pacifican.gc.ca, mailing address: 1300-300 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B4.
grant_single_labels|contact
604-666-6256
Apply to this program
Propelling Tourism Expansion in British Columbia
The Tourism Growth Program in British Columbia strives to enhance the province's tourism industry by investing in projects that boost tourism's economic impact, inclusivity, and sustainability. Managed by PacifiCan, this initiative focuses on supporting businesses and non-profits in developing compelling tourism products and experiences.
Understanding the Impact of the Tourism Growth Program by PacifiCan
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) is a strategic initiative by PacifiCan aimed at strengthening and expanding British Columbia’s tourism sector. With a three-year funding pool amounting to $108 million, the program supports the growth of local tourism through a variety of tailored investments. It focuses on enhancing active tourism, extending tourism benefits to rural and Indigenous communities, and fostering economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability.
Eligible applicants for this program include small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous-owned businesses, post-secondary institutions, and government entities operating in British Columbia. The funding mechanism of the program offers interest-free repayable contributions for businesses and may provide non-repayable contributions for not-for-profit organizations, emphasizing projects that demonstrate high and lasting impact in line with community and regional tourism strategies.
The TGP is committed to supporting Indigenous tourism initiatives, with approximately 15 percent of its funding specifically earmarked for Indigenous projects. The initiative thus celebrates Indigenous culture and supports the development of authentic Indigenous tourism experiences, recognizing their vital role in enriching Canada’s tourism landscape.
Projects seeking to receive support under this program are encouraged to align with government efforts to produce active tourism products, increase tourism in smaller communities, extend the tourism season, and complement existing support frameworks offered by provincial programs. Successful projects are expected to generate increased visitation, create and maintain jobs, and contribute to strong revenue growth, thereby creating a lasting impact that extends beyond the life of the project.
From a funding perspective, the program is structured to sustain and grow the economic vitality of British Columbia’s tourism industry. It requires applicants to secure additional funding sources, ensuring strong financial backing and community engagement for their proposed initiatives. Eligible costs covered by the program include infrastructure upgrades, professional services, marketing, and new technology acquisitions, which should be incremental and directly essential to the project’s success.
Through its comprehensive and strategic framework, the TGP plays a critical role in promoting a robust, inclusive, and sustainable tourism sector in British Columbia. By fostering innovative and high-impact initiatives, the program aims to solidify Canada's standing as a premier tourist destination, enhancing its competitiveness in the global tourism market while respecting its local cultural and ecological landscapes.
