How much funding can be received?

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|terms_and_conditions

The Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario provides financial contributions to support eligible tourism-related projects, with specific conditions depending on the type of organization. The program aims to maximize the impact of funded projects while adhering to federal, provincial, and municipal funding guidelines.

Contributions to for-profit organizations are generally repayable, up to a maximum of $250,000 per recipient, covering up to 50% of capital costs and 75% of non-capital costs.
For Indigenous-controlled businesses demonstrating broad community benefits, contributions are normally non-repayable.
Non-repayable contributions for not-for-profit organizations, with up to 50% of capital costs and 75% for non-capital costs for commercial projects, and up to 100% of eligible costs for non-commercial projects.
All government funding for a project cannot exceed 100% of eligible costs.
The actual contribution amount will be the minimum required to undertake the project, with repayment terms beginning typically one year after project completion, if applicable.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports projects that enhance tourism growth through the development of new products, services, or improvements in existing tourism offerings. It emphasizes the importance of extending the tourism season and focusing on sustainability and inclusivity.

Improving or creating new innovative tourism offerings or products.
Investing in digitization or technology integration to enhance productivity, sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness of tourism businesses.
Developing and delivering new products, services, or experiences to increase tourism activity outside of traditional high seasons.
Enhancing accessibility to create a welcoming environment for diverse clientele.
Developing and implementing sustainable tourism plans based on research and market analysis.
Improving local assets and facilities for active outdoor tourism experiences.
Facilitating the growth of off-season tourism and supporting year-round tourism service expansion.
Supporting the delivery of local community festivals and events to attract tourists.
Developing capacity for tourism businesses to offer inclusive tourism experiences.

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

This grant is available for projects that provide benefits specifically to Northern Ontario, ensuring that developments contribute to the local economy and community enhancement.

Northern Ontario

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.