Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario
ON, Canada
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) supports local tourism development and diversification across Canada with a $108 million fund over three years.
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
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FEDNOR)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
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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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically focused on benefiting Northern Ontario. Only projects that provide benefits to this region are considered eligible under the grant conditions.
- Businesses and organizations operating in Northern Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$225,000
Enhancing museum exhibits with holographic displays and interactive technology
$200,000
Developing eco-friendly bike trails to encourage off-season tourism
$200,000
Expanding a local winery with a new visitor center and tasting room
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile in the tourism industry.
- The applicant must be an incorporated small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
- The applicant must be an incorporated not-for-profit organization.
- The applicant must be an Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) community or organization.
- The applicant must be a municipality or municipal organization.
- All eligible applicants must be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) include incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises, incorporated not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) communities and organizations, and municipalities and municipal organizations engaged in the tourism industry.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to specific restrictions mainly related to the type of infrastructure and acquisitions involved. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward projects that provide significant economic and cultural value.
- Infrastructure related to retail, wholesale, restaurants, chain hotel, and administrative facilities.
- Projects involving the acquisition of motor vehicles that can be licensed for off-site use.
- Projects involving land and building acquisition.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The program supports projects that add value to existing tourism activities, focusing on business and economic growth, and promoting sustainable tourism. Priority is given to those increasing community tourism benefits, supporting Indigenous tourism, and extending the tourism season.
- Improving or creating new or innovative tourism offerings or products for tourism businesses.
- Investing in digitization or technology integration for productivity, sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness.
- Developing and delivering new products, services, or experiences to boost tourism activity outside the high season or extend services year-round.
- Enhancing accessibility to create a welcoming environment for diverse clientele.
- Developing and implementing sustainable tourism plans based on research and market analysis for not-for-profit organizations.
- Improving local assets, facilities, or planning for key active outdoor tourism experiences.
- Facilitating off-season tourism growth through promotion of tourism services and expansion of seasonal tourism to year-round services.
- Supporting local community festivals and events that draw tourists to destinations.
- Developing/increasing capacity for tourism businesses to provide inclusive tourism experiences.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers a range of expenses deemed necessary for the successful execution of tourism-related projects.
- Costs incurred in designing new or improved tourism products and services.
- Marketing costs such as design, promotional materials, digital media content, product demonstrations, and participation at trade shows, provided they are part of a larger 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.
- Acquisition of new technology aimed at improving performance and productivity.
- Infrastructure costs such as constructing or expanding buildings, trail development, and leasehold improvements.
- Purchase and/or rental of machinery and equipment directly related to the project.
- Retroactive costs for a 12-month period prior to the application, but not earlier than March 29, 2023.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Applications will be assessed as they are received, including a review of the business case, financial projections, and the applicant’s past results. Approval may also depend upon the identification of any issues that may impact the project's success, as well as funding availability.
- Review of the business case
- Financial projections
- Applicant’s past results
- Identification of any issues that may impact the project’s success
- Funding availability
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: Receipt of Submission Confirmation
- Obtain confirmation from FedNor that your application has been received.
- Retain this confirmation for your records and future reference.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Tourism Growth Program contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy and emphasizes the inclusion of Indigenous tourism initiatives. Only eligible expenses directly related to the project will be considered for funding.
- Contributions to for-profit organizations can be up to $250,000 per recipient, repayable, covering up to 50% of capital and 75% of non-capital costs.
- Contributions to Indigenous-controlled businesses, where benefits are widely spread, will normally be non-repayable.
- Non-repayable contributions to not-for-profit organizations can also be up to $250,000, with up to 50% of capital and 75% of non-capital costs for commercial projects, and up to 100% of eligible costs for non-commercial projects.
- All government funding (federal, provincial, and municipal) for a project cannot exceed 100% of eligible costs.
- Eligible costs are all expenses directly related to the project and considered reasonable and necessary for its execution.
- Ineligible costs include, among others, infrastructure related to retail and administrative facilities, refinancing of existing debt, land acquisition, and amortization costs.
- Contributions normally start repayment no later than one year following project completion, if applicable.
- All applications are reviewed upon receipt, assessing business case, financial projections, and potential issues.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-877-333-6673
Apply to this program
Unlocking Growth in Canadian Tourism
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) extends financial assistance to bolster tourism by supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, SMEs, and not-for-profits involved in the industry. With a focus on enhancing local tourism products and experiences, this program aims to drive economic growth from coast to coast.
Detailed Insights into the Tourism Growth Program's Offerings and Strategies
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) is a significant initiative backed by the Canadian government's commitment to fostering economic advancement through tourism. Acknowledging the critical role tourism plays in economic diversification and community development, this program allocates $108 million over a period of three years. The TGP seeks to benefit Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and not-for-profit organizations engaged in the tourism sector, ensuring the development of vibrant local tourism products and experiences across Canada.
This funding program is integral to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, offering a roadmap for sustainable growth, strategic investment, and stable operations in the tourism industry. Its impact spans various geographic locations, emphasizing not just the strengthening of existing tourism operations but also the creation of new opportunities and innovation in this field. The program prioritizes projects that amplify tourism benefits for rural communities, support the burgeoning Indigenous tourism industry, and endorse sustainable and inclusive tourism initiatives.
Indigenous tourism is a priority within the TGP, with 15% of its funds specifically reserved for Indigenous-led tourism initiatives. Recognizing the cultural richness and economic potential of Indigenous tourism, the program invites applications from Indigenous communities and organizations, ensuring inclusive participation and equitable support. These efforts are designed to support the long-term growth and sustainability of Indigenous tourism operations within the broader Canadian tourism landscape.
Eligible projects under the TGP must demonstrate incremental value—meaning they must offer enhancements or expansions to current activities rather than merely replicate them. Successful applicants may focus on a range of strategic activities from crafting new or novel tourism offerings and improving digital integration to extending their operational season and enhancing accessibility for all visitors. For instance, investments might include technology upgrades to boost competitiveness, the development of off-season tourism services, or the creation of accessible environments for diverse visitors.
As entities consider applying, TGP emphasizes a collaborative approach with potential applicants encouraged to engage with FedNor officers in their region before submission. This step ensures projects are well-aligned with program priorities and viable for funding consideration, particularly given the high demand and current budget constraints. Engaging with a FedNor officer offers applicants the chance to refine their proposals to meet the program's comprehensive evaluation criteria.
Employing an inclusive framework, the TGP is open to a variety of applicants including incorporated SMEs, not-for-profits, Indigenous communities, and municipal organizations, provided they play an active role in the tourism industry. With a structured yet flexible approach to funding, the program supports diverse projects, thereby enabling applicants to potentially benefit from a non-repayable contribution, fostered by ensuring that project benefits accrue largely to communities in Northern Ontario.
The TGP exemplifies a proactive governmental policy to not only sustain but also energize Canadian tourism by focusing on community-centric growth and innovative tourism strategies, arming businesses and organizations with the resources needed for effective adaptation and growth. By nurturing the tourism sector, this program lays the foundation for economic resilience, community development, and enhanced tourist experiences, aligning with Canada's broader aspirations for sustainable and inclusive growth in the wake of evolving global tourism trends.
