How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $250000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario?

Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario is funded by Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)

What are Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario's eligibility criterias?

Incorporated small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) operating in the tourism industry Legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements Project benefits must accrue to Northern Ontario

Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario

Last Update: June 7, 2025

ON, Canada

Tourism Growth Program supports tourism industry development in Canada

Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000
Up to 15% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Accommodation and food services

Grant Providers

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)

Status

Closed

Overview of the Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario program

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) supports Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. Eligible activities include improving or creating new tourism offerings, integrating new technologies, and developing initiatives to extend the tourism season or enhance accessibility, with a focus on economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum financial contribution of $250,000 per recipient.
For-profit organizations: up to 50% of capital costs and up to 75% of non-capital costs are reimbursable, including all levels of government funding.
Not-for-profit organizations: up to 50% of capital costs and 75% of non-capital costs for commercial projects; up to 100% of eligible costs for non-commercial projects.
All government funding for a project cannot exceed 100% of eligible costs.
Eligible costs may be considered on a retroactive basis for up to 12 months prior to receipt of application, but not before March 29, 2023.

Eligible projects & activities

Creation or improvement of tourism products and experiences to attract more visitors.
Investment in digitization or technology integration to enhance tourism business performance and competitiveness.
Development and delivery of new services or experiences to increase tourism activity outside of the traditional high season or to make services available year-round.
Enhancement of accessibility to create welcoming environments for diverse clientele.
Development and implementation of sustainable tourism plans and support for local community tourism festivals and events.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 200,000

Expanding a local winery with a new visitor center and tasting room

$ 225,000

Enhancing museum exhibits with holographic displays and interactive technology

$ 200,000

Developing eco-friendly bike trails to encourage off-season tourism

Eligibility criteria of the Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario program

The applicant must operate within the tourism industry in Northern Ontario.
Eligible entities include incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), incorporated not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) communities and organizations, and municipalities or municipal organizations.
The applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
The proposed project must provide added value or incremental improvements to existing tourism activities and contribute to business or economic growth.

Who is eligible?

Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism sector
Incorporated not-for-profit tourism organizations
Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) communities and organizations involved in tourism
Municipalities and municipal organizations engaged in tourism activities

Who is not eligible

Companies engaged in infrastructure projects related to retail, wholesale, restaurants, chain hotels, or administrative facilities.
Businesses seeking funding to refinance existing debt.
Entities looking to acquire land or buildings, or purchase motor vehicles for off-site use.

Eligible expenses

Design and development costs for new or improved tourism products and services.
Marketing expenses (e.g., design, promotional materials, digital media content, product demonstrations, participation at trade shows) when part of a broader project.
Professional fees for project implementation, design, and engineering services.
Community engagement and planning costs, such as facilitation and rental of meeting space.
Acquisition of new technology that improves performance and productivity.
Infrastructure costs, including construction or expansion of buildings, trail development, and leasehold improvements.
Purchase or rental of machinery and equipment directly related to the approved project.

Eligible geographic areas

Northern Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario program

Assessment of the business case and financial projections.
Review of the applicant’s past results.
Identification of any issues that may impact the project’s success.
Project benefits must accrue to Northern Ontario.
Approval may depend on availability of funding.

How to apply to the Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario program

Contact FedNor Officer

Call 1-877-333-6673 to discuss your proposal with a FedNor Officer in your area.
Engage in a discussion to ensure the proposal aligns with the available funding and program objectives.

Prepare Application

Develop a detailed project proposal outlining objectives, tasks, timelines, and expected outcomes.
Ensure that your proposal provides incremental value to existing tourism activities.
Gather necessary supporting documents including financial projections and business case analysis.

Application Submission

Submit the application in line with guidelines provided by FedNor after the initial discussion.
Ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submission.
Confirm submission guidelines and process with the FedNor Officer during initial contact.

Receipt of Submission Confirmation

Obtain confirmation from FedNor that your application has been received.
Retain this confirmation for your records and future reference.

Additional information

The Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario is currently fully subscribed and not accepting further applications.
Approximately 15% of the funding is designated to support Indigenous-led tourism initiatives.
Eligible costs may be retroactively covered for expenses incurred up to 12 months prior to application receipt, but no earlier than March 29, 2023.
Completing an application does not guarantee funding approval; all applications are reviewed as received and may be subject to availability of funds.