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Funding & Grant Opportunities

    Current Opportunities for the Tourism Sector

    Destination Development Fund
    OPEN

    The Destination Development Fund assists Ottawa-based not-for-profit organizations and for-profit businesses in the tourism space. With the goal of developing quality tourism products that stimulate demand for the destination, this will stimulate increased tourism and expenditure, and encourage private sector tourism investment in Ottawa. To date, 85% of tourism products funded are still active in the destination.

    Apply Now

    Business Scale-up and Productivity in Northern Ontario
    OPEN

    Part of FedNor's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, it supports scaling up small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ontario. Eligibility: Applicants from Northern Ontario should demonstrate potential for market expansion, job creation, or productivity improvements. Funding: Provides repayable contributions, typically covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.

    Apply Now

    Ontario Transit Investment Fund
    OPEN

    The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) provides annual funding of $5 million to deliver local and intercommunity transportation projects in unserved and underserved areas in Ontario, particularly in rural areas.

    Apply Now

    Regional Development Program: Eastern Ontario Development & Southwestern Ontario Fund 
    OPEN

    The Regional Development Program provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in Ontario, by region.

    The program supports projects that: create jobs and build talent, attract and encourage private sector investment, lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts, and encourage innovation, collaboration and cluster development. 

    Apply Now

    Ontario Arts Council
    OPEN

    The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) provides grants to Ontario-based individual artists and arts professionals, ad hoc groups, collectives and organizations. Grants support a range of arts activities and disciplines. OAC currently offers more than 65 grant programs. 
     

    Apply Now

    Ontario Trillium Foundation: Grow Grant
    OPEN

    Take a successful project to a new level. Grow grants provide a higher level of funding over 2 or 3 years to help proven community projects increase their impact. 

    Grants support established programs and services that have a proven track record of success and meet community need. Applicants can apply for funding to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.
     

    Apply Now

    Black Entrepreneurship Program 
    OPEN

    The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) is a partnership between the Government of Canada, Black-led business organizations, and financial institutions. With an investment of up to $265 million over four years, it will help Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs grow their businesses and succeed now and into the future. 

    Apply Now

    Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund
    OPEN 

    It has three aims: (1) to increase cultural tourism by providing investments to assist Ontario organizations to develop, promote and present one- off or first time events, or a significant expansion of existing activity, which are designed to attract new tourists and visitors to cultural events; (2) increase the earned revenue capability of the applicant organization; and (3) support events that foster economic growth and contribute to job creation.

    Apply Now

    Propel Student Work Placement Program
    OPEN

    Funded by the Government of Canada through the Student Work Placement Program, Propel offers registered Canadian businesses, startups, and not-for-profits related to the tourism and hospitality sector a subsidy on each qualifying student’s wages.

    The wage subsidy is available for employers who hire students enrolled at a recognized post-secondary institution for a paid position to fulfil the co-op or internship component of their program. The wage subsidy can be accessed by businesses from all facets of the visitor economy: accommodations, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services.  

    Apply Now

    Green Municipal Fund
    OPEN

    No matter what stage of development you’re at, FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) can help fund your next sustainability project. For over 23 years, GMF’s long-standing funding offer has helped municipalities switch to sustainable practices faster. Our updated funding goes even further in helping you bring projects to life that address local environmental challenges, enhance quality of life and support a net-zero Canada by 2050.

    Apply Now

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    Funding and support for Indigenous businesses and organizations

    Indigenous businesses and organizations are encouraged to contact FedDev Ontario at indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca to discuss their economic development objectives. The team offers guidance on navigating available programming and services.

    FedDev Ontario is committed to helping Indigenous-owned businesses, organizations, and not-for-profits achieve their goals and support the increased participation of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in the southern Ontario economy. 

    The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) provides access to capital and access to business opportunities to Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada.

    Building Communities through Arts and Heritage — Local Festivals streaam provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists; local artisans; local heritage performers or specialists; and local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural carriers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations.