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Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario - Ontario - Canada
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Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario

The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over 3 years to support local tourism businesses and not-for-profits.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
  • Open Date : August 1, 2024
  • Closing date : November 30, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada

Overview

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over three years to support communities, SMEs, and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences, enhancing economic growth and sustainability across Canada. Eligible activities include creating or improving tourism offerings, investing in digitization, extending tourism seasons, and promoting active outdoor experiences.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 250,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : August 1, 2024
  • Closing date : November 30, 2024

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Culture and Arts
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Business Associations
  • Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
  • General public
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Local
  • Municipal
  • Regional
  • Provincial
  • National

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) finances projects that enhance the local tourism sector, focusing on innovation and capacity building. The aim is to create engaging experiences that stimulate tourism and foster economic benefits across communities in Southern Ontario.

  • Improving or creating new or innovative tourism offerings or products.
  • Investing in digitization or technology integration to boost productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.
  • Developing and delivering new products, services, or experiences to extend tourism activity beyond the traditional high season.
  • Enhancing accessibility and creating a welcoming environment for a diverse clientele.
  • Developing and implementing long-term tourism plans based on market analysis and research.
  • Improving local assets and facilities to support key outdoor tourism experiences.
  • Facilitating the growth of off-season tourism through innovative offerings.
  • Supporting the delivery of local community festivals and events that attract tourists.
  • Increasing capacity for tourism businesses to provide inclusive tourism experiences.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the Tourism Growth Program include:- Incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry.- Indigenous-owned businesses, including Indigenous sole proprietors, or Indigenous tourism organizations.- Not-for-profit organizations, such as tourism associations and economic development organizations.- Municipal, provincial, and territorial governments and related entities.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain businesses and industries due to their primary focus not being in the tourism industry or not for public use. The restrictions aim to ensure that the funds are utilized by sectors that align with the tourism industry's development goals.

  • Restaurants and food services businesses.
  • Hotel chains.
  • Retail sector businesses.
  • Private leisure facilities or event venues.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports communities, small- and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in growing and developing local tourism projects to make Canada a preferred destination for travelers. Eligible activities add value to current tourism industry activities, focusing on economic growth.

  • Improving or creating new and innovative tourism offerings or products.
  • Investing in digitization or technology integration to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Developing new products, services, or experiences to extend the tourism season or increase year-round activity.
  • Enhancing accessibility to create a welcoming environment for diverse clientele.
  • Developing long-term tourism plans based on research and market analysis for not-for-profit organizations.
  • Improving local assets and planning for active outdoor tourism experiences.
  • Promoting off-season tourism by developing inclusive tourism experiences.
  • Supporting delivery of local festivals and events to attract tourists.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies and organizations operating in southern Ontario, as the program is delivered by FedDev Ontario and focuses on supporting this specific region.

  • Businesses and organizations located in southern Ontario.

Additional information

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) by FedDev Ontario supports the growth of local tourism, providing tailored funding and guidance, especially focusing on small- and medium-sized enterprises, Indigenous tourism, and not-for-profit organizations across Canada.

  • Next intake period: later in 2024 (November 2023 to February 2024 intake period is now closed).
  • Indigenous applicants may apply anytime by contacting indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca.
  • Contact information: info@feddevontario.gc.ca or 1-866-593-5505 for program inquiries.
  • Follow FedDev Ontario for updates via Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and RSS.
  • Review the Application Guide (For-Profit Applicants) or the Application Guide (Not-for-Profit Applicants) prior to submission.
  • Funding for businesses is normally repayable; for not-for-profits, it is non-repayable.
  • Total government assistance cannot exceed 50% of eligible capital costs and 75% of eligible non-capital costs; 100% for Indigenous-led projects.
  • Funded projects must start after March 29, 2023, and be completed by March 31, 2026.
  • All application details are subject to the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act.
  • Applicants should ensure compliance with the Lobbying Act during the application process.

Contacts

indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca
1-866-593-5505

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario?

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over three years to support communities, SMEs, and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences, enhancing economic growth and sustainability across Canada. Eligible activities include creating or improving tourism offerings, investing in digitization, extending tourism seasons, and promoting active outdoor experiences.

How much funding can be received?

Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was November 30, 2024.

Who is eligible for the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario program?

To be eligible for the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario program, you must: Incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry. Indigenous-owned businesses or Indigenous tourism organizations. Not-for-profit organizations, including tourism associations and economic development organizations.

What expenses are eligible under Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario?

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) finances projects that enhance the local tourism sector, focusing on innovation and capacity building. The aim is to create engaging experiences that stimulate tourism and foster economic benefits across communities in Southern Ontario. Improving or creating new or innovative tourism offerings or products. Investing in digitization or technology integration to boost productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness. Developing and delivering new products, services, or experiences to extend tourism activity beyond the traditional high season. Enhancing accessibility and creating a welcoming environment for a diverse clientele. Developing and implementing long-term tourism plans based on market analysis and research. Improving local assets and facilities to support key outdoor tourism experiences. Facilitating the growth of off-season tourism through innovative offerings. Supporting the delivery of local community festivals and events that attract tourists. Increasing capacity for tourism businesses to provide inclusive tourism experiences.

Who can I contact for more information about the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario?

You can contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) by email at indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-593-5505.

Where is the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario available?

The Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario program is available the province of Ontario.

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