TIAO is researching tourism business support programs and funding available through various regions, municipalities, and cities.
TIAO is committed to supporting the tourism sector in any way possible during this pandemic and in the future. We remain committed to assisting you and your business’ recovery and, we will be posting regular updates and any new available resources. Please check our website regularly for further information.
We are glad to extend complimentary membership to the entire tourism industry in Ontario for 2023.
To continue to access valuable information, and for other membership benefits, please visit our Membership page by clicking the link below
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
Rural Economic Development Program
Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program provides cost-share funding to support activities that create strong rural communities in Ontario, and opens doors to rural economic development. Learn more about the funding by clicking the link below.
Rural Economic Development Program
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.
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.”
Please click the link below for more information.
Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan
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
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.
Town of Oakville
Oakville Recovery Programs
Several local initiatives have been developed to support Oakville businesses. Explore the programs on the website by clicking on the link below to learn more about initiatives that may be relevant to your business.
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
Brant Transit for Employers
Brant Transit provides a reliable and affordable solution to help ensure your staffing transit needs are met. Click on the link below for more information.
Temporary Patio Allowance Program
The Temporary Patio Allowance Program offers eligible restaurants in the County of Brant with the opportunity to install temporary patios on public and private property during the warmer months. For program details and eligibility, please click on the link below
Temporary Patio Allowance Program
Temporary Sales Event Program
This program allows retail businesses to establish a temporary sales event outside of their usual place of business. For more information,, please click on the link below
Community Improvement Plan
The County of Brant is pleased to offer the Community Improvement Plan and the Public Safety Community Improvement Plans to help eligible businesses with costs related to improving their business and implementing public safety features.
For more information, please click the link below
RTO 4: Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Tourism Relief Fund in Southern Ontario
The Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. With a budget of $500 million over two years (ending March 31, 2023), including $485 million in regional priorities funding administered by Canada’s regional development agencies, with $50 million specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives, and the $15-million National Priorities Stream administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), this fund will position Canada as a destination of choice as domestic and international travel rebounds.
Click on the link below to learn more.
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
Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
Eligible property owners and tenants in the uptown area can receive grants for various renovation projects. Contact the Economic Development Office at 519-465-5501 or cip@waterloo.ca or, click the link below to learn more.
Waterloo Region Small Business Center
The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre encourages and contributes to the enterprising spirit and economic vitality of our community by assisting entrepreneurs with the development of new or existing businesses. The Centre provides a variety of services to individuals preparing to start and grow their business in the Waterloo Region, including one-on-one business consultation advice, seminars, events, workshops, and more. Clink the link below to visit the webpage for more information.
Waterloo Region Small Business Center
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
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.
For more information, please click the link below:
UnitedWay Greater Toronto Funding Opportunities
United Way partners with organizations to eradicate local poverty and solve the unignorable issues in Peel, York, and Toronto. The programs bring frontline community agencies together with business leaders, local government, and donors to co-ordinate efforts and fill gaps in services. Learn more by clicking on the link below.
UnitedWay Greater Toronto Funding
Community Investment Funding
The City of Toronto offers grants to help achieve social, economic and cultural goals for Toronto residents. Grants are available on a time-limited basis to support new and emerging groups, support sector resilience, and encourage resident engagement and leadership development. Get more information about funding programs by clicking on the link below.
Small Business Enterprise Centres
Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) offer entrepreneurs all the tools they need to start and grow their businesses. These centres can help you start or grow a business. These centres offer:
- free consultations with a qualified business consultant
- internet and computer access for business research and planning
- review of business plans
- consultations through a lawyer or accountant referral service
- up-to-date information for entrepreneurs
- access to directories, trade indexes and books
- workshops and seminars
- guidance on licenses, permits, registration, regulations and other documents you need to start a business
- import and export information
- information on patents, copyright and trademarks
- mentoring and networking opportunities
Click on the link below for more information.
Small Business Enterprise Centres
Business Improvement Areas
Toronto has the largest number of BIAs of any urban centre in the world, representing 45,000 members. Learn more about the city's unique BIAs by clicking on the link below.
RTO 6: York, Durham and Headwaters
City of Markham
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:
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.).
Deadline to apply: January 31, 2022.
Find more information, including guidelines and application form, by clicking the link below.
Operations Implementation Program
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 the link below.
In-Market Special Project Fund
Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Loans can be used for financing up to 90% of the cost of:
Purchasing or improving land, real property or immovables; purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property; purchasing or improving new or used equipment
Find more information by clicking the link below.
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Bruce Peninsula
Partnership Program
Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7) is accepting applications for the 2022/23 Partnership Program which reflects RTO7’s 2022/23 Business Plan. In the past, the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, & Culture Industries has provided the organization with additional funding, providing matching dollars can be raised from tourism partners. RTO7 will also contribute additional funds from its base funding towards these partnerships.
Find more information by clicking the link below.
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
Partnership Allocation
RTO8 receives funding annually from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Please note that this is NOT a grant program; it is an investment between the Ministry and the applicant, facilitated by RTO8. Funding is up to fifty (50%) of eligible costs. Funds are limited and applications are based on a first come, first served basis until the funding is fully allocated. Click on the link below to learn more.
Northumberland Wellness Tourism Experience Initiative
Northumberland Tourism is looking at wellness tourism to diversify its tourism sector, carve out a unique niche and bring more benefits to Northumberland’s communities and businesses. Experiences that provide visitors with a deeper understanding or emotional connection to the people and places that they are visiting usually results in longer stays and repeat visitation. Our destination spas and retreats have built Northumberland’s reputation for offering signature experiences. With our rural and natural landscapes, we are well-suited to expand wellness tourism. For more information, click on the link below.
Northumberland Wellness Tourism Experience Initiative
RTO 9: South Eastern Ontario
Partnership Funding for South Eastern Ontario
RTO 9 continues to offer partnership funding opportunities to our individual tourism operators to help with pandemic recovery and rebuilding across the region. This program is intended to provide operators with resources to better develop their tourism offering and promote visitation within South Eastern Ontario.
Partnership Funding is not available to DMO/DMP offices, Business Investment Areas, Chambers of Commerce, Municipalities, or any other membership-based associations. The funding is intended to assist operators to grow their businesses.
The first application window will be open from February 13th, 2023 - March 3rd, 2023.
Click on the link below to learn more.
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
Community Economic Development Funding Program
The annual Community Economic Development (CED) Funding Program provides financial support to selected projects that are anticipated to result in:
- Resilient job creation (continuing beyond the funding period)
- Business enterprise creation (for-profits and/or social enterprises)
The program endeavours to positively impact historically under-represented segments of the Ottawa population (e.g. residents of lower income neighbourhoods, youth, older adults, rural residents, new immigrants, racialized and indigenous populations, etc.) through financial support to non-profit agencies for new, or expanded, projects that assist targeted residents to overcome identified obstacles to the creation of new jobs and/or new enterprises.
.Please click the link below for more information.
Community Economic Development Funding Program
Business Improvment Area (BIA) Grant Program
Mural and Architectural Design Feature Grant Program
This program challenges BIAs, in collaboration with local artists, to develop “wow” moments that will enhance the public realm, create a more vibrant streetscape and enrich the customer experience.
Research Grant Program
This program provides funding contributions to BIAs to assist with research projects that are designed to enhance the economic viability and competitiveness of the BIA.
Anti-Graffiti Grant Program
The BIA Anti-Graffiti Program Funding contribution is available to all eligible BIAs as an annual renewable contribution. The purpose of the fund is to support BIAs and member businesses in adhering to the Graffiti Management By-law 2008-1 requiring the expedient removal of graffiti from all property within the City of Ottawa.
Formation/Expansion Grant Program
The BIA Formation/Expansion Grant Program provides funding grants of up to $5,000 to business groups that have expressed formal interest to create a Business Improvement Area for their commercial district, or to existing BIAs wishing to expand their boundaries.
Prospective applicants should discuss their interest with Economic Development Services staff prior to submitting their application to ensure the project fits within the scope of this funding program.
To request further details on these programs or to obtain an application form, please contact:
Mike Bureau
Economic Development Officer
613-580-2424, ext. 22441
Mike.Bureau5@ottawa.ca
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.