To learn about programs in your region, please click on your RTO in the list below.
►RTO 1: Southwest Ontario
►RTO 2: Niagara Canada
►RTO 3: Hamilton, Halton and Brant
►RTO 4: Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
►RTO 5: Greater Toronto Area
►RTO 6: York, Durham and Headwaters
►RTO 7: Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe
►RTO 8: Kawarthas Northumberland
►RTO 9: South Eastern Ontario
►RTO 10: Ottawa and Countryside
►RTO 11: Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
►RTO 12: Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka and Parry Sound
►RTO 13a: Northeastern Ontario
►RTO 13b: Sault Ste. Marie - Algoma
►RTO 13c: Northwest Ontario
RTO 1: Southwest Ontario
Tourism Workforce Recovery Toolkit
Tourism HR has created a toolkit with the goal of helping tourism operators rebound from the crisis. The toolkit’s resources focus on the five areas of communications, workforce, budget & finance, marketing and strategy. Visit the website by clicking the link below.
Grant and Funding Opportunities for Tourism Stakeholders in Ontario’s Southwest
Check out this document that lists multiple federal and provincial funding opportunities to see which ones you are eligible for and how you can apply.
Funding Opportunities for Tourism Stakeholders
City of London
Back to Business (B2B)
To provide streamlined, efficient responses to evolving business needs during necessary pandemic restrictions, the City of London established a Back to Business (B2B) Action Team and intake portal. B2B comprises a cross-functional team serving as a “one-window” point of contact for businesses to be as responsive as possible. These initiatives include sidewalk sales, expanded patios, and park and pick-up locations. For more information on these initiatives, email b2b@london.ca or click the link below for more information on how to apply.
*The expanded patios are permitted until December 31, 2021
Windsor Essex Pelee Island
Small Business Centre
Windsor Essex’s Small Business Centre is a go to for information and support for small businesses in the Windsor-Essex region. Please click the link below for more information.
Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan
The City of Windsor's Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan (CIP), “provides financial incentives to encourage new investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of diversifying the local economy and creating/retaining jobs. The CIP allows the city to take a variety of measures, to further the objectives of the Economic Revitalization CIP, that would otherwise be prohibited by Ontario's Municipal Act. This includes the acquisition and preparation of land; construction, repair, rehabilitation or improvement of buildings; the sale, lease or disposal of land and buildings; and the provision of grants to owners or tenants of land, all of which must conform with the objectives and policies contained within the CIP.”
Financial Incentive Programs
The Economic Revitalization CIP contains four financial incentive programs to encourage new investment in targeted economic sectors. These programs address a wide range of business types including new businesses considering locating in Windsor, expansion of existing businesses within the city, and small businesses. These programs include: Business Development Grant Program, Business Retention & Expansion Grant Program, Small Business Investment Grant Program, and the Development Charge Grant Program.
For more information on these programs, please click the lnk below.
RTO 2: Niagara Canada
Niagara Falls
Municipal Employment Incentive Programs
The Municipal Employment Incentive Programs offer additional local level financial incentives for development proposals that have received approval for the Tax Increment Based Funding Program (TIBG) under the Niagara Gateway Economic Zone Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The TIBG is delivered through a partnership with the Niagara Region. The incentives under the MEIP are supplemental to the TIBG and are administered by the City of Niagara Falls. Included are:
- Planning Application Fee Waivers
- Building Permit Fee Rebates
- Study Grants
For more information regarding these programs, please click on the link below.
Municipal Employment Incentive Program
Niagara Gateway Economic Zone
Niagara offers programs that provide financial incentives to property owners who revitalize, strengthen and diversify the Niagara economy. The Gateway incentive programs are delivered through a partnership between the Niagara Region and the participating municipalities of Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, Thorold and Welland.
The two programs that are available through the Community Improvement Plan are
- Tax Increment Based Grant Program: This program provides an incremental tax grant to completed projects within the Gateway Project Area based on the project’s economic and environmental design performance. Successful applicants will receive a tax rate rebate of a percentage of the post-project values, for a period of 5 or 10 years depending on the location of the project. Tax savings resulting from this program can be significant.
- Regional Development Charge Grant Program: This program recognizes exceptional projects - those that score 14 points or more according to the Gateway CIP evaluation criteria - and provides relief from regional development charges for those projects.
For more information on how to access these programs, click the link below.
RTO 3: Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Halton Region
Halton Region Community Investment Fund
The Halton Region Community Investment Fund (HRCIF) supports non-profit human service programs that enhance the health, safety and well-being of Halton residents. The HRCIF provides $3.5 million in annual funding.
The Fund provides one-year and multi-year grants to programs and initiatives through two categories of funding. Applications for HRCIF funding must focus on supporting residents who are vulnerable to negative health and social outcomes. The HRCIF encourages proposals that demonstrate collaborative approaches to address community needs. For more information on this fund please visit the link below.
Halton Region Community Investment Fund
To apply to the Halton Region Community Investment Fund please click on the link below.
Halton Small Business Centre
The Halton Small Business Centre is continuing to support Halton small businesses and working with our local community partners during COVID-19. One-on-one calls or virtual meetings can be set up to ensure you’re tapping into all available businesses supports.
Contact us for more information about our virtual services and programs. We’re here to help!
For more information, visit our Halton Business Blog, follow Halton Business on Twitter, follow Halton Business on Facebook or email smallbusiness@halton.ca. For more information about supports, programs and opportunities specific to your community, please visit your local municipality’s website.
Halton – Municipal Tax relief programs:
Halton Hills: Tax deferral program
The Regional Municipality of Halton has a tax deferral program for low-income seniors and low income persons with disabilities. Read the Halton Region, Tax Deferral FAQs and Tax Deferral By-law for Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Persons with Disabilities Tax Deferral Program. Read more information about the Seniors and Low-Income Tax Deferral program and application on Halton Region's website.
Town of Oakville
Oakville’s Economic Task Force launched a community-wide campaign to support the reopening of businesses in Oakville. Explore resources and information including downloadable marketing templates, safety decals and more by visiting the link below.
For more information on Oakville’s recovery programs, visit the link below
Digital Business Supports
The Digital Service Squad is a resource for small businesses to help build or enhance an online presence, promote products/services and sell online. Please note that this service is only available for businesses located in one of Oakville’s three BIAs. Book a virtual meeting with a squad member by clicking one of the links below.
Oakville has partnered with Digital Main Street and Ritual ONE to assist main street businesses in growing their operations through technology.
For more information, email econdev@oakville.ca or visit the link below.
Hamilton
Hamilton Business Centre
The Hamilton Business Centre (HBC) provides the information and tools that entrepreneurs need to grow their businesses. The Centre is a one-stop source for business information, guidance and professional advice on starting and running a successful business.
The HBC provides free consultations to help entrepreneurs:
- Prepare business plans
- Identify rules and regulations that could impact your business
- Understand which government and private sector programs apply to your business
- Help during your crucial start-up and growth stages
For more information, please visit the link below.
County of Brant
2022 Community Grant Application Form
The 2022 community grants application form will be available here in early winter.
For additional information on Community Grants, please contact grantrequest@brant.ca
For more information, please visit the link below.
New Public Safety Community Improvement Plan
The County of Brant has created a new Community Improvement Plan Program to allow businesses to implement public safety measures. In direct surveying of County of Brant businesses, additional interior safety measures were identified as another avenue to protect the public and employees from COVID-19.
Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:
- Installation of barriers to protect employees and the public;
- Permanent signage, kiosks and other markings to promote physical distancing;
- Reorientation of store aisles and displays to allow for greater distancing;
- Other permanent modifications that meet the intent of the Province's COVID-19 Guidance or that of the Brant County Health Unit.
Please note, projects cannot be reimbursed for work already completed.
A onetime grant of up $2,000 to assist businesses that operate public enclosed spaces will be eligible. For the first $1,000.00 spent, the County will refund 100% of eligible costs excluding HST, and 50% of the remaining costs up to a maximum grant value of $2,000.00.
For information, contact invest@brant.ca or call 519.44BRANT, 1.855.44BRANT or visit the link below.
RTO 4: Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Waterloo Region
If you’re facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, there are various supports available for individuals and businesses. Please visit the link below for more information:
City of Waterloo
City-wide COVID-relief
Grant opens June 1, 2021.
Grants of up to $2,500 to recover COVID-19 related expenses dating back to March 2020 provide support for businesses across the city that have been impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic financial support for the additional costs associated with building and space alterations in response to COVID-19 other improvements may be approved by the Executive Director of Economic Development.
Physical distancing improvement grant - 100% reimbursement
Upgrades required to install physical distancing measures to meet public health and safety needs., installation of protective screens/physical barriers floor markings to encourage safe distancing and delineate traffic flow signage/displays to encourage physical distancing compliance physical building modifications or space reconfigurations (addition/removal of walls) to optimize business workstation modifications to enable physical distancing
Business adaptation grant - 100% reimbursement
Physical or operational changes to your business in order to safely operate or ensure financial viability., physical modifications required to provide for curbside pick-up, or delivery services washroom/change room modifications physical changes to promote touch-free access such as automatic doors/touchless faucets purchase of additional equipment or furniture that promotes health and safety
Improved ventilation grant - 100% reimbursement
Retrofitting and enhancements to improve ventilation and air quality with COVID-19 recommendations., improved air purification system and air-exchange systems upgrades to heating/air conditioning ventilation implementation and upgrade in exhaust fans, window or door replacement to promote the air movement in accordance to COVID-19
Outdoor business improvement grant - 100% reimbursement
Constructing outdoor patio or permanent seating areas, to expand capacity or extend the season in response to COVID-19, infrastructure and/or permanent fixtures to enable the construction or expansion of an outdoor patio addition of covered outdoor space to provide shelter for components of operations that were previously conducted indoors improvements to provide for all season use of outdoor spaces to implement COVID-19 related requirements (including permanent seating)
Technology expansion grant - 100% reimbursement
Cost of tech infrastructure to add connection or install digital practices to move business online., physical infrastructure required to enhance internet connectivity
To apply, please click the link below:
Wellington
Financing and Business Incentives
There are many opportunities to leverage government grants, loans and tax incentive programs to launch or grow your business in Wellington County. For more information on the various business supports please click the link below:
RTO 5: Greater Toronto Area
Mississauga
Brampton
Marquee Festivals and Events Fund
Eligible Organizations: Registered Charities, Incorporated Non-Profits,
Maximum Available Funding: Up to a maximum of $60,000. One event per organization in a calendar year.
Application Intake: Annually; Open: November 25, 2021 | Deadline : January 7, 2022 | Announcements: January 21, 2022
Special Event Types: This stream of funding is designed to support special events that are celebrations in art, culture, food, music, dance and other special attractions.
Special Event Criteria: Open and accessible to the public, take place in the City of Brampton during the 2022 calendar year, attendance is greater than 1000, promotional reach is 40 kms outside of Brampton and overall event budget is $100,000 or more.
Funding
- All applicant organizations must carry $5,000,000 in Commercial General Liability Insurance from the time the application is submitted until the end of the project duration as outlined within the application.
- All projects must take place between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022
- Please consult the 2022 Tourism Event Sponsorship Program Guidelines before submitting an application.
Important Resource
Before submitting an application to the Marquee Festivals and Events Fund please consult the important documents: Program Guidelines
How to Apply
- Click on the 'APPLY NOW' button above.
- Complete the on-line application and submit
- Complete the required supporting documentation ( Economic Impact Assessment, Certificate of Insurance ) templates shown above.
- Ensure up-to-date Evidence of Organizational status is complete
- Submit all three (3) required supporting documentation to Tourism@brampton.ca
For more information, please visit here.
Brampton Tourism Event Sponsorship Program
Tourism staff will work with organizations with a common goal to excite and propel the growth and success of Tourism in Brampton, ensuring the City’s vibrancy and shared values are well-represented to the world.
Sport Tourism Event Criteria
- Open and accessible to the public
- Take place in the City of Brampton during the 2022 calendar year
- Promoted to residents and visitors from greater than 40kms outside of Brampton
- Minimum of two (2) consecutive days of amateur competition at a minimum of 7 hours per day
- Consume a minimum of 50 room nights (# of rooms x # of nights) in recognized Brampton paid accommodation providers
- Have a minimum of 50 percent of the participants (athletes, coaches and officials) travelling more than 40km one way to the event
- Event is sanctioned by a recognized sport body or if an emerging sport with no official status, the sport has rules/regulations that are being adhered to
Funding: All applicant organizations must carry $5,000,000 in Commercial General Liability Insurance from the time the application is submitted until the end of the project duration as outlined within the application.
- All projects must take place between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022
- Please consult the 2022 Tourism Event Sponsorship Program Guidelines before submitting an application.
How to Apply
- Click on the 'APPLY NOW' button below.
- Complete the on-line application and submit
- Complete the required supporting documentation ( Economic Impact Assessment, Certificate of Insurance ) templates shown above.
- Ensure up-to-date Evidence of Organizational status is complet
- Submit all three (3) required supporting documentation to tourism@brampton.ca
For more information, visit here.
City of Toronto
Brownfield Remediation Tax Assistance (BRTA)
Brownfield Remediation Tax Assistance (BRTA) is a component of the IMIT Business Incentive Program. The BRTA program encourages investment in sites where contamination has rendered the property vacant, under-utilized, unsafe, unproductive or abandoned.
Remediation of sites and their subsequent development may result in an increase in the assessed of value of a property The BRTA allows the City of Toronto to cancel all or a portion of the tax increase directly attributed to the increase in assessed value related to the remediation and development to help brownfield property owners offset the remediation costs incurred.
Eligibility
To qualify, the property must be remediated and then developed for non-retail employment uses. For a property developed for a combination of eligible and ineligible uses, the portion attributable to the ineligible uses will be determined based on the gross floor area of the ineligible use.
The following criteria must be met:
- A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment confirming that the property does not meet standards that would permit a Record of Site Condition to be filed with the Ministry of Environment;
- A brief description of the remediation proposed, including technologies to be used and the expected duration of remediation work;
- A statement and summary of all costs to be incurred in connection with the remediation;
- The applicant must meet any further conditions as may be included in the By-law passed pursuant to Section 333(2) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, if any.
For more information, please click the link below:
Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program
The first round of applications will be accepted until February 28, 2022, or when funds are expended, whichever comes first.
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program offers matching funding of 50 per cent to commercial business operators and owners of storefronts that are vacant (or, in certain limited circumstances, at risk of becoming vacant) to undertake interior improvements, assisting businesses to re-lease space impacted by COVID-19.
Objective: Small retail businesses are essential to the vitality and success of Toronto’s main streets and neighbourhoods, and key drivers of economic prosperity for residents, families, communities and the city as a whole. The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program was developed in support of the recovery and long-term success of local small businesses.
Funding Available: The program offers matching funding equal to 50 per cent of the cost of interior improvements to vacant commercial properties at street level.
- The maximum base grant under the program is $20,000 (based on a minimum of $40,000 of improvements).
- Further funding of up to $4,000, for a total maximum grant of $24,000, is available for upgrades to meet AODA accessibility standards
. - Additional funding of up to $20,000 ($4,000 per additional unit, for up to five units) is available for multi-unit properties.
Eligibility: The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is available to owners and tenants of vacant properties or the risk of being vacant properties at street level, or properties at risk of becoming vacant (that have received funding from the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy program) within the city of Toronto, that are used for commercial purposes at street level, and that are locally owned and operated. A minimum of three eligible improvements must be made.
Tenants who apply for the program must have written permission from the property owner to make any improvements to the property and receive grants.
Eligible Projects: The following projects would be considered eligible for a Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant:
- Structural upgrades, interior light fixtures, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), plumbing, electrical, interior painting, flooring/ceiling/walls, permanently-affixed counters, merchandise displays and accessibility improvements, among others.
- Architectural, engineering, certified Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) specialist and Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) registered designer fees may be covered to a maximum of $2,000 per application as part of the base grant.
- Multi-unit properties are eligible for additional grant funding of up to $4,000 per unit for each additional unit for which improvements are proposed, to a maximum of $20,000.
- Additional grant funding of up to $4,000 is available for interior accessibility improvements which meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) design standards.
- A minimum of three eligible improvements must be made to each unit.
Ineligible Projects
- Maintenance to fix broken windows, interior lighting or security systems, clean clogged plumbing, or replace ceiling panels.
- Only one application for a business chain or for any franchise organization is permitted.
- Applications for work totaling less than $5,000 are ineligible.
- The program is not to cover maintenance costs of existing interior property elements.
- Places of worship, institutional buildings, not-for-profit commercial buildings and residential buildings are ineligible for the program.
- Moveable furniture, window coverings, equipment, appliances, computers, IT expenses or elements such as tiling outside of the front door, are ineligible.
How to Apply: Eligible applicants may apply by completing the application form below along with additional required documentation identified in the form and emailing it to Michael Saunders, Economic Partnership Advisor at Michael.Saunders@toronto.ca on or before February 28, 2022. Application form here.
RTO 6: York, Durham and Headwaters
City of Markham
Non-Residential Property Tax and Stormwater Fee Payment Deferral Program Application
For 2021, Markham Council has approved a new Property Tax and Stormwater Fee Payment Deferral Program to assist property owners who have been financially affected by COVID-19. This assistance is by application only and is meant to aid residential and business property owners who may require payment flexibility throughout the 2021 taxation year.
If you have questions regarding your property tax account or would like to establish a repayment plan, please contact the City at 905-477-5530 or alternatively you can send an email to etax@markham.ca. Please click the link for more information regarding this program.
Non Residential Property Tax Deferral
Small Business Help
Our team at the Markham Small Business Centre (MSBC) can help you make the right decisions as you start up your business venture, help develop your management capabilities as it grows or help you pivot as we adapt to the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit the link below for more information.
York Region
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund encourages innovation towards business continuity and business recovery efforts by supporting promising early-stage start-ups, accelerators, incubators, and community partners. With an annual commitment of $100,000 from York Region until 2023, the fund will support the development of the innovation network in York Region.
For more information, email yrfund@venturelab.ca or visit the link below.
For any additional business supports and information, please visit the following links:
RTO 7: Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe
RTO7 has four different implementation programs that BruceGreySimcoe tourism operators and stakeholders can apply to. Don't miss out, apply now - the programs are listed below:
Festival Implementation Program (FIP)
This program has been designed to assist well-established and regional/emerging festivals to achieve at least one of the following: increase visitor spending, help reduce overcrowding in areas experiencing capacity issues, increase length of stay and/or increase return visits to BruceGreySimcoe. Media buys are managed by RTO7's Agency of Record (The Aber Group Inc.).
For detailed information on the program, criteria and application form, visit this page on RTO7.ca.
Deadline to apply: January 31, 2022.
Operations Implementation Program (OIP)
Designed to assist stakeholders in BruceGreySimcoe with social media marketing, operational expenses can be leveraged into a 4-week advertising campaign. Eligible expenses include mortgage payments, rent, insurance, inventory purchases, etc. Media buys are managed by RTO7's Agency of Record (The Aber Group Inc.).
Find more information on this page on RTO7.ca, including guidelines and application form.
Deadline to apply: January 31, 2022.
Sustainable Tourism Implementation Program (SIP)
This program is designed to assist BruceGreySimcoe stakeholders to promote a new sustainable product, experience or initiative they’ve invested in by supporting a social media marketing campaign.
The aim of sustainable tourism is to increase the benefits and to reduce the negative impacts caused by tourism for destinations. Long-term sustainability can be achieved by seeking a suitable balance between:
- Protecting natural environments, wildlife and natural resources when developing and managing tourism activities (environmental),
- Providing authentic tourist experiences that celebrate and conserve heritage and culture (socio-cultural), and
- Creating socio-economic benefits and well-being for host communities through employment and income earning opportunities (economic).
If a partner can demonstrate a financial investment of $750 - $1,000 towards achieving at least one of the items listed above, they may be eligible to receive $1,500 - $2,000 from RTO7 towards a social media advertising campaign. RTO7 matches the partner’s investment at a ratio of 1:2.
The administration fee is waived for 2021/22. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until January 31, 2022 or until the program is fully subscribed.
Please click this link for guidelines: Sustainable Tourism Implementation Guidelines
Please click this link to apply: Sustainable Tourism Implementation Application
If you require more information or have any questions, contact Amanda apausner@rto7.ca 226-568-0242 or Kim at kclarke@rto7.ca or 519-379-2506.
The Tourism Implementation Program (TIP)
The Tourism Implementation Program (TIP) is designed to assist BruceGreySimcoe stakeholders by supporting a social media marketing campaign to promote a new product or experience they have invested in. For example, purchasing a new canoe for guests or renovating an art studio to accommodate more artist’s work. Partners must demonstrate how their investment has helped to achieve one of the four following objectives:
- Improve quality and sustainability,
- Reduced seasonality,
- Increased visitor spending or length of stay, and
- Expanded to or developed a new target market.
If a partner can demonstrate a financial investment of $750 - $2,500 towards achieving at least one of the items listed above, they may be eligible to receive $1,500 - $5,000 from RTO7 towards a social media advertising campaign. RTO7 matches the festivals investment at a ratio of 1:2.
The administration fee is waived for 2021/22. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until January 31, 2022 or until the program is fully subscribed.
Please click this link for guidelines: Tourism Implementation Guidelines
Please click this link to apply: Tourism Implementation Application Form
If you require more information or have any questions, contact Amanda at apausner@rto7.ca or 226-568-0242 or Kim at kclarke@rto7.ca or 519-379-2506.
County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe - In-Market Special Project Fund
The In-Market Special Project Fund is available to organizations to create partnerships and enhance service offerings in Simcoe County for area entrepreneurs. All activities supported must be non-profit in nature. To qualify, at least one Small Business Enterprise Centre and one Community Futures Development Corporation must be partners on the project and deliver the service in Simcoe County. Applications are evaluated by the County's Economic Development Office with approvals from the County's Economic Development Sub-Committee and Committee of the Whole.
Interested in applying? Email: edo@simcoe.ca
To learn more please click this link: In-Market Support Special Project Fund, 2019-2022.pdf
City of Barrie
Small Business Centre
The Small Business Centre offers services to businesses owners or entrepreneurs, including free consultations and workshops, to help guide and support businesses in Barrie. For more information or to book a consultation, please visit the link below.
Funding for Georgian College’s Department of Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Barrie City Council approved $75,000 in new municipal funding for a one-year pilot partnership with Georgian College’s Department of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, aimed at delivering direct programming to businesses and entrepreneurs to aid in COVID-19 recovery. The partnership will support companies in streamlining processes with advanced technology and help them increase revenues by identifying and developing new markets and opportunities. The programs will also focus on helping businesses execute projects affordably by sourcing skilled workers through co-op placements, leading to increased employment and a stronger talent pipeline from Georgian to local industry. The $75,000 funding is in addition to $25,000 that Georgian will be receiving from the existing Economic & Creative Development budget. During the one-year pilot, the City will assess the impact of funding, outcomes and benefits to business, with future recommendations for a second year of funding. The programs and resources will be rolled out to businesses in 2021.
For more information, please click the link below:
Applied Research and Innovation
RTO 8: Kawarthas Northumberland
RTO 9: South Eastern Ontario
Kingston
Pandemic Support Funding for Businesses
Businesses, artists and arts, social service, and sports organizations may tap into funding opportunities aimed at supporting local businesses, not-for-profits, recreation organizations, and artists.
The allocation of the grant funds will take place over the next several months. All applicants must be located within Kingston as these funds, allocated through the City’s Working Fund Reserve, have been generated by Kingston taxpayers. All application processes will be competitive for these grants, and the submission of applications does not guarantee approval.
Learn more about available pandemic grant programs outlined below, and see if your organization is eligible, by clicking the link below.
RTO 10: Ottawa and Countryside
City of Ottawa
The City of Ottawa in consultation with Ottawa Public Health have prepared a ‘Business Reopening Toolkit’ to provide guidance to businesses on how to prepare for safe reopening, subject to direction from the Province of Ontario. Please click the link below for more information.
RTO 11: Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
TRIP – Capital Projects
Geared specifically to small to medium sized tourism businesses, this program intends to offset up to 80% of eligible capital expenses incurred to modify operations to a maximum of $20,000 in non-repayable funding. Applications to this funding stream will be accepted beginning Jan. 15, 2021 and on an ongoing basis until Dec. 31, 2021, or until funds are depleted. For more information on the program, please click on the link below:
To apply to the program, please click on the link below:
For any other information or questions, please click on the link below:
Tourism Recovery and Innovation Program
Reconnect Festival and Event Program
Provides funding for finding new, exciting, and engaging ways to deliver local events and festivals during the pandemic. Now accepting applications for events taking place between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.
Please click on the link below for full details:
Additional Resources
Digital Main Street is offering free ongoing webinars to help you build your skills in digital marketing, social media, and website best practices. View their schedule here.
Rapid antigen test kits will be made available to a variety of organizations, including Chambers of Commerce and local pharmacies, to support safe operations in tourism businesses. To find if you are eligible for free tests, visit this site.
TIAC has created a new resource hub for tourism operators and destination partners called “Elevating Canadian Experiences”, designed to help grow and adapt your business and build tourism capacity in your region. Explore their collection of resources and training opportunities.
The Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) is offering two training sessions for workers who are working full-time, part-time or currently furloughed; one focused on leadership and one focused on resiliency. Click to view the leadership and resiliency session flyers for more information and to register.
View the recorded sessions from the North & Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference here.
RTO 12: Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Lake of Bays
Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC) provides free business consultations and resources for small to mid-sized businesses in Muskoka.
MSBC can help if you are:
- Thinking about opening a business
- Formulating a business plan
- Undergoing change in an established business
Muskoka Futures
Muskoka Futures is helping sustain our local businesses and the community we live in. Our vision is to participate in creating an innovative economy and to stimulate job growth; enticing future generations to build their careers in Muskoka. This initiative provides financial supports and resources to businesses. For more information, please click on the link below.
RTO 13a: Northeastern Ontario
NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols for Resource-Based Tourism
To access NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols for Resource-Based Tourism please click the link below.
Destination Northern Ontario - Business Reopening Toolkit: Since the beginning of COVID-19, Northern Ontario has been supporting you and your business when you need it most. We have compiled the below resources to support your business through the next phase of COVID-19. As this is a phased approached, business owners need to be flexible and prepared to close if cases of COVID-19 spike in the future.
To access the Business Reopening Toolkit, please click on the link below:
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services - Resources for Businesses: WSPS offers business information on their COVID-19 page including pandemic preparedness checklists, job aides and much more information. For access please click the link below:
You can also check out their Youtube page for videos to help you get back to work safely by clicking the link below:
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Pandemic Tip Sheets! Each document offers health and safety tips and good practices, for both employers and workers, specific to each industry or sector. Organizations and businesses can adopt this guidance to protect their workers and prevent the spread of infections. Please click the link below to visit their site:
Resources from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business: With the emergence of COVID-19, the primary concern at CFIB is keeping you, your employees and your business safe. This page will provide you with expert advice to guide you through this difficult time, as well as templates and policies that prevent viral transmission in the workplace. Topics such as business continuity, how to access financial support, EI and employee income, employee management, business security and health and safety information can be found on this page. CFIB will also continue putting pressure on governments to give your business greater relief—including direct income support. To access the page please click the link below:
go2HR Tourism and Hospitality Health and Safety Resources: On this page, you will find information and resources for various sectors of tourism, workplace posters, COVID-19 pandemic awareness training, and emergency planning and preparedness. To access the resources please click the link below:
Tourism HR Canada: They have gathered some guidance and a series of resources to help all tourism stakeholders stay healthy, communicate clearly, and remain resilient as Canada takes action to slow the spread of the virus and plans for recovery. Please click the link below for more information:
BDC - COVID-19 Business Planning Tools: These planning tools and tips can help you map out your next steps, identify new opportunities, mitigate risk and create resilience in your company, so you can emerge strong in recovery. To access the planning tools please click the link below:
The BDC also developed a summary table of all the supports that have been made available through both the Federal and Provincial Governments and the eligibility criteria. Please click the link below to view the summary table.
RTO 13b: Sault Ste. Marie - Algoma
NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols for Resource-Based Tourism
To access NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols for Resource-Based Tourism please click the link below.
Destination Northern Ontario - Business Reopening Toolkit: Since the beginning of COVID-19, Northern Ontario has been supporting you and your business when you need it most. We have compiled the below resources to support your business through the next phase of COVID-19. As this is a phased approached, business owners need to be flexible and prepared to close if cases of COVID-19 spike in the future.
To access the Business Reopening Toolkit, please click on the link below:
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services - Resources for Businesses: WSPS offers business information on their COVID-19 page including pandemic preparedness checklists, job aides and much more information. For access please click the link below:
You can also check out their Youtube page for videos to help you get back to work safely by clicking the link below:
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Pandemic Tip Sheets! Each document offers health and safety tips and good practices, for both employers and workers, specific to each industry or sector. Organizations and businesses can adopt this guidance to protect their workers and prevent the spread of infections. Please click the link below to visit their site:
Resources from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business: With the emergence of COVID-19, the primary concern at CFIB is keeping you, your employees and your business safe. This page will provide you with expert advice to guide you through this difficult time, as well as templates and policies that prevent viral transmission in the workplace. Topics such as business continuity, how to access financial support, EI and employee income, employee management, business security and health and safety information can be found on this page. CFIB will also continue putting pressure on governments to give your business greater relief—including direct income support. To access the page please click the link below:
go2HR Tourism and Hospitality Health and Safety Resources: On this page, you will find information and resources for various sectors of tourism, workplace posters, COVID-19 pandemic awareness training, and emergency planning and preparedness. To access the resources please click the link below:
Tourism HR Canada: They have gathered some guidance and a series of resources to help all tourism stakeholders stay healthy, communicate clearly, and remain resilient as Canada takes action to slow the spread of the virus and plans for recovery. Please click the link below for more information:
BDC - COVID-19 Business Planning Tools: These planning tools and tips can help you map out your next steps, identify new opportunities, mitigate risk and create resilience in your company, so you can emerge strong in recovery. To access the planning tools please click the link below:
The BDC also developed a summary table of all the supports that have been made available through both the Federal and Provincial Governments and the eligibility criteria. Please click the link below to view the summary table.
RTO 13c: Northwest Ontario
Thunder Bay
Miinikaanan Badakidoon is a training program for people that want to start a new business, purchase an existing business, or expand their existing business. Program participants have the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5000 upon the completion of a business plan. The program provides training sessions on important business topics. Upon completion of a business plan, participants may apply for the grant, grant recipients also receive mentorship as part of the program.
Eligibility
Your business is eligible as long as it:
- Is an Indigenous majority owned sole proprietorship, corporation, or a partnership
- Running a start-up launched within the last year OR proposing a new business OR purchasing an existing business OR expanding your existing business
- Not currently a full-time student
- Is an independent business venture
- Operates at arm’s length from family business ventures
- An Ontario resident and Canadian citizen (or permanent resident)
- Prepared to commit to your business full-time by dedicating full-time hours (at least 35 hours per week) to launch or run the business
- Follows government rules and regulations for operating a business
- Will be commercially insured
- Prepared to complete a business plan
- Prepared to work with a mentor by participating in monthly meetings for a period of three months following the program
- Ready for investment
For more information, please visit here.
To apply to the program, please visit here.
NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols for Resource-Based Tourism
To access NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols for Resource-Based Tourism please click the link below.
Destination Northern Ontario - Business Reopening Toolkit: Since the beginning of COVID-19, Northern Ontario has been supporting you and your business when you need it most. We have compiled the below resources to support your business through the next phase of COVID-19. As this is a phased approached, business owners need to be flexible and prepared to close if cases of COVID-19 spike in the future.
To access the Business Reopening Toolkit, please click on the link below:
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services - Resources for Businesses: WSPS offers business information on their COVID-19 page including pandemic preparedness checklists, job aides and much more information. For access please click the link below:
You can also check out their Youtube page for videos to help you get back to work safely by clicking the link below:
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Pandemic Tip Sheets! Each document offers health and safety tips and good practices, for both employers and workers, specific to each industry or sector. Organizations and businesses can adopt this guidance to protect their workers and prevent the spread of infections. Please click the link below to visit their site:
Resources from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business: With the emergence of COVID-19, the primary concern at CFIB is keeping you, your employees and your business safe. This page will provide you with expert advice to guide you through this difficult time, as well as templates and policies that prevent viral transmission in the workplace. Topics such as business continuity, how to access financial support, EI and employee income, employee management, business security and health and safety information can be found on this page. CFIB will also continue putting pressure on governments to give your business greater relief—including direct income support. To access the page please click the link below:
go2HR Tourism and Hospitality Health and Safety Resources: On this page, you will find information and resources for various sectors of tourism, workplace posters, COVID-19 pandemic awareness training, and emergency planning and preparedness. To access the resources please click the link below:
Tourism HR Canada: They have gathered some guidance and a series of resources to help all tourism stakeholders stay healthy, communicate clearly, and remain resilient as Canada takes action to slow the spread of the virus and plans for recovery. Please click the link below for more information:
BDC - COVID-19 Business Planning Tools: These planning tools and tips can help you map out your next steps, identify new opportunities, mitigate risk and create resilience in your company, so you can emerge strong in recovery. To access the planning tools please click the link below:
The BDC also developed a summary table of all the supports that have been made available through both the Federal and Provincial Governments and the eligibility criteria. Please click the link below to view the summary table.