Tourism Growth Program in British Columbia

The Tourism Growth Program offers funding to support the development and growth of tourism projects in British Columbia. The program provides both interest-free repayable and non-repayable contributions based on the type of applicant.

• Interest-free repayable funding of up to $250,000 is available for eligible businesses.
• Non-repayable contributions are available for not-for-profit organizations.
• The stacking limit generally cannot exceed 50% of eligible capital costs and 75% for other eligible costs for businesses.
• The stacking limit may be up to 90% of eligible costs for not-for-profits.
• Preference for funding is given to projects seeking 50% or less from PacifiCan for businesses and 65% or less for not-for-profits.
• Funds from non-PacifiCan sources must be confirmed at the time of application.
• Disbursement of funds is through periodic reimbursements based on submitted claims for eligible costs incurred and paid.
• Reimbursed funds cover up to 100% of eligible project costs as approved.
• Recipients must secure all non-PacifiCan requested project financing before applying.

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

The Tourism Growth Program in British Columbia is specifically tailored for entities located within British Columbia, as denoted by the funding body, PacifiCan, that is focused exclusively on this region.

• Businesses and organizations situated in British Columbia.

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.

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.