Tourism Industry Grants in Canada: Current Grants + Tips for Applying
The tourism industry is a vital component of Canada’s economy, attracting millions of visitors annually and contributing significantly to job creation and regional development. From travel agencies to tour operators and accommodation providers, businesses in this sector face challenges such as seasonal demand fluctuations, sustainability expectations, and evolving consumer preferences. To support growth and innovation in the tourism industry, various funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and equity investments, are available.
Key Takeaways
- Tourism business grants provide non-repayable financial assistance for projects that support innovation, sustainability, and regional development in the tourism sector.
- Funding is offered by federal and provincial governments, non-profit organizations, and industry associations.
- Typical eligibility criteria include operating within the tourism industry, alignment with grant objectives, and sometimes matching funds requirements.
- Funds can typically be used for activities such as marketing, infrastructure improvements, sustainability initiatives, and workforce training.
- Complementary funding options include business loans, tax incentives, and equity investments tailored to the tourism sector.
What is a Tourism Grant?
A tourism grant is a non-repayable financial resource provided by government bodies, non-profit organizations, or industry associations to support businesses in the tourism sector. These grants aim to address challenges such as enhancing regional appeal, promoting sustainable tourism, and meeting the needs of evolving markets by funding specific projects or activities.
Grants are typically categorized into:
- Activity Grants: Focused on funding specific tourism activities such as marketing campaigns, eco-tourism initiatives, or infrastructure upgrades.
- Audience Grants: Targeted at specific groups, such as Indigenous tourism operators or women-owned businesses.
- Industry Grants: Designed to support the overall growth of the tourism sector, including collaborative and innovation-driven projects.
- Regional Grants: Aimed at fostering tourism development in specific provinces, territories, or underserved areas.
Grants vs Loans in Canada for Tourism Businesses
| Aspect | Business Grants | Business Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment | Not required | Required with interest |
| Financial Risk | Minimal | Moderate to high |
| Eligibility | Strict and project-specific | Based on creditworthiness |
| Application Process | Competitive and time-consuming | Faster but requires financial proof |
For specific projects like eco-tourism development, marketing campaigns, or upgrading facilities, grants are highly beneficial. Loans, however, are better suited for immediate needs such as managing seasonal cash flow or funding expansions.
Types of Grants for the Tourism Industry in Canada
Federal Government Grants for Tourism Businesses
Federal grants focus on national priorities such as promoting Canada as a top-tier travel destination, advancing sustainable tourism practices, and improving the infrastructure supporting the sector. These grants often fund large-scale projects with significant industry impact, including destination marketing, cultural tourism initiatives, and infrastructure improvements that enhance visitor experiences.
Provincial Government Grants for Tourism Businesses
Provincial grants address region-specific opportunities and challenges within the tourism sector. These grants frequently support projects that drive local economic development, such as event hosting, regional marketing campaigns, and upgrades to tourism facilities. Many provinces also offer funding to support small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in adopting sustainable practices and enhancing their competitiveness.
Non-Profit Grants for Tourism Businesses
Non-profit organizations and industry associations provide grants to encourage collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity in the tourism sector. These grants often fund community-driven initiatives, such as Indigenous tourism development, partnerships with local businesses, and programs promoting cultural heritage. Non-profit grants may also support businesses in addressing emerging trends like eco-tourism and adventure tourism.
Eligibility Criteria for Tourism Industry Grants in Canada
Eligibility criteria for tourism business grants are designed to prioritize impactful and regionally relevant projects. Key criteria include:
1. Industry Alignment
2. Project Specificity
3. Geographic Requirements
4. Business Size and Status
5. Financial Contribution
6. Expected Impact
7. Required Documentation
Applying for Tourism Grants in Canada: Top 5 Tips
1. Research Grant Opportunities
2. Develop a Detailed Proposal
3. Show Financial Stability
4. Align with Grant Priorities
5. Engage Early and Follow Up
Alternatives to Grants for Tourism Businesses in Canada
Business Loans & Credit for Tourism Businesses
Startup Programs for Tourism Businesses
Equity Investment Programs for Tourism Businesses
Tourism Industry Grants in Canada – Current Grants Available
In the sections below you’ll find a sample of the federal and provincial grants currently available for tourism businesses in Canada:
Federal Government Grants for Tourism Businesses:
Interest-free repayable funding of up to $250,000 for eligible businesses (preference to projects seeking 50% or less funding from PacifiCan); not-for-profits proposing commercial projects up to $250,000 repayable
Loan, Grant
Description:
The Government of Canada’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP) aims to help small and medium-sized businesses, tourism organizations, and local communities to grow and develop tourism products and experiences that position Canada as a destination of choice.
Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, including PacifiCan, the $108 million TGP provides regionally tailored funding over three years to support communities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations in growing and developing local tourism projects and events.
No fixed amount
Loan, Grant
Description:
Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, the Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over 3 years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in growing and developing local tourism products and experiences. The program also complements supports for the tourism sector provided through other federal, provincial and territorial programs.
The TGP contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism sector, from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
Provincial Government Grants for Tourism Businesses:
25% subsidy of eligible costs, up to a total for one event of $2500.00, once per year for one business or organizational representative (maximum from all levels of government not to exceed 75%)
Subsidy
Description:
This program is designed to assist tourism stakeholders in enhancing the quality and market readiness of their tourism services, businesses and products.
$75,000-$500,000; you contribute a minimum of 25% of the total project cost and Travel Alberta may provide up to a maximum of 75% (e.g. $375,000 on a $500,000 project); maximum combined investment of $500K per organization per year across all streams
Grant
Description:
Supports the construction or purchase of a new tourism-related product, experience, or service.
$25,000-$150,000 per event; applicant must contribute at least 25% of total event or festival cost (Travel Alberta may provide up to 75%); maximum combined eligible investment of $150K per organization across all successful applications
Grant
Description:
Grow existing events and festivals, and initiate new ones, that occur over multiple days and drive overnight visitation.
$5,000
Grant
Description:
Digital Nova Scotia partnered with Tourism Nova Scotia to help connect tourism businesses with digital service providers that can help them develop or enhance effective digital marketing tools. It’s an exciting project that gives our tourism businesses the opportunity to collaborate with the digital community in our province. Approved tourism businesses will be eligible for 100% of the cost of services from a qualified digital service provider, up to a maximum value of $5,000 including HST.
Up to $5,000 (tax inclusive) in services from a qualified consultant per approved applicant, of which up to $1,000 for subscription services and digital campaign testing and up to $3,000 for photography or videography services
In-Kind Support
Description:
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program helps eligible tourism businesses build digital capacity, increase visibility online, and deliver the digital services travellers expect.
In partnership with Digital Nova Scotia, you will be matched with a qualified digital consultant for services valued up to $5,000.
Advertising and marketing: TCMF covers 50% of approved activities; contributions between $2,500 and $25,000 for Yukon tourism businesses, First Nations Governments, Municipalities and non-government organizations, and up to $50,000 for Yukon Destination Marketing Organizations. Travel-related activities (flat rates): approved shows $1,400/show Western Canada, $2,800/show Central Canada, $3,800/show Atlantic Canada, $3,800/show United States, $4,200/show overseas; all other travel-related activities (familiarization tours, sales calls, sales missions, etc.) up to $2,000/activity.
Grant
Description:
The Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund (TCMF) helps the Yukon’s tourism industry attract visitors and gain international exposure.
Successful applicants receive between $1,000 and $5,000
Grant
Description:
The Spark Tourism Micro-grant program supports new and emerging entrepreneurs who offer visitor experiences and services in the Yukon. The program helps turn your idea into reality and acts as a catalyst to spark larger future projects.
Business projects: up to 15% of eligible project costs — loans up to 15% to a maximum of $5M, interest free during the project period (up to 4 years), with up to 30% of the loan (to a maximum of $500,000) forgivable; grants up to 15% to a maximum of $500,000 (rural companies with fewer than 100 employees) or $1,500,000 (strategic projects). Community economic development projects: up to 50% of eligible project costs for a maximum grant of up to $1.5 million
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario.
Maximum assistance of $10,000 for the lifetime of the applicant, or $5,000 per application; the per-application limit may be increased where exceptional need can be demonstrated
Grant
Description:
The Sustainable Livelihood Fund provides access to small-scale contributions for tools, equipment and other expenses necessary for operation in the small business, arts and crafts, community-based tourism, and traditional economy sectors. The purpose of the program is to support small businesses, which employ others, self-employed entrepreneurs, arts and crafts producers, or commercial renewable resource harvesters.
No fixed amount
In-Kind Support
Description:
The RADIATE Tourism Program helps tourism businesses and attractions build capacity to create and market packages to appeal to local and Atlantic region travellers. The program focuses on creating and marketing compelling packages available in late-fall, winter or year-round to help extend Nova Scotia’s tourism season.
Equity investment (preferred shares) of a minimum $75,000 in any Nunavut business enterprise; all investments are fully repayable by the investee
Investment
Description:
The Nunavut Development Corporation (NDC) places equity investments in eligible Nunavut business enterprises in order to support employment and income earning opportunities achieved through new business start-ups or the expansion of an existing business.
No specific amount specified
Grant
Description:
The Marquee Event Program provides support to municipalities and organizations in Ontario for the hosting of large-scale, high-impact events.
Individual investors: 35% of an eligible investment (45% for approved corporations in the oceans technology and life sciences sectors), on a maximum annual eligible investment of $250,000 (maximum annual personal tax credit $87,500 at 35% and $112,500 at 45%); corporate investors: 15% of an eligible investment, on a maximum annual eligible investment of $500,000 (maximum annual corporate tax credit $75,000)
Tax Credit
Description:
The Innovation Equity Tax Credit is a non-refundable personal and corporate income tax credit available to eligible investors who invest in approved corporations.
The Innovation Equity Tax Credit encourages investors to make equity capital investments in eligible Nova Scotia small and medium corporations engaged in innovative activities contributing to inclusive economic growth and increase investment in innovation.
Refundable Alberta tax credit at either a 22% or 30% rate on eligible production costs
Tax Credit
Description:
The Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers a refundable Alberta tax credit on eligible production costs to corporations that produce films, television series, and other eligible screen-based productions in the province.
Applicants may apply for either a 22% or 30% tax credit rate.
No specific amount specified
In-Kind Support
Description:
The EXPORT Travel Trade Program aims to help Nova Scotia tourism businesses develop partnerships with tour operators and travel agents to increase national and international sales.
Participants will work with a coach who has extensive experience in the travel trade to build a sales strategy, implement best practices for working with travel trade, and create partnerships with travel agents and tour operators to begin making sales.
Up to a maximum of $5,000 CAD to help cover registration fees for eligible travel trade marketplaces
Grant
Description:
The EXPORT Travel Trade Program aims to help Nova Scotia tourism businesses develop partnerships with tour operators and travel agents to increase national and international sales.
Participants can receive up to $5,000 towards registration fees to attend an eligible travel trade marketplace.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The program provides financial support to festival organizers, not-for-profit organizations and communities to deliver impactful, multi-day experiences and Canada Day celebrations. These events aim to:
100 per cent of the increase in the municipal taxes attributable to the eligible development over a five-year period (temporarily increased from 60 per cent of the Municipal Tax Increment); up to seven years when combined with Brownfield Remediation Tax Assistance
Grant
Description:
The Economic Development and Growth in Employment (EDGE) Incentive Program supports new construction or major renovation of buildings in targeted employment sectors. The program provides tax increment equivalent grants, whereby the City refunds a portion of the increase in property taxes that results from new development or redevelopments.
Business projects: up to 15% of eligible project costs (loans up to 15% to a maximum of $5M, interest free during the project period, up to 30% of the loan to a maximum of $500,000 may be forgiven; grants in specific circumstances up to 15% to a maximum of $500,000 or $1,500,000); Community economic development projects: up to 50% of eligible project costs for a maximum grant of up to $1.5 million
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario.
Free membership (costs nothing to join) giving in-kind benefits: a business listing on Discover Halifax’s visitor website, rights-free photos and videos, booking reports, newsletters and member-only advertising opportunities. Provincial Affiliates outside HRM pay an annual fee of $400.
In-Kind Support
Description:
Welcome to the Member Resource Centre! Here you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your Discover Halifax membership.
Membership is open to all tourism and hospitality-related businesses, as well as individuals who wish to remain connected with the leisure or business market.
Tourism Nova Scotia will match partner investments; minimum partner investment of $7,500 plus a 15% media buying fee (total $8,625) for digital marketing, and $10,000 for content creation
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
Create high-quality videos and photos to use in your marketing or to develop digital marketing campaigns to raise awareness of your business or community.
The Digital Content Marketing Program is open to tourism businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia. You can submit one application for digital marketing, content creation, or both.
Up to a maximum of 50% of eligible project expenses
Grant
Description:
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.
Up to 75 per cent of the total costs of the project and 50 per cent of eligible capital expenditures to a maximum of $375,000 (Tier 1: projects with budget up to $100,000; Tier 2: projects with budget from $100,001 to $500,000)
Grant
Description:
This fund provides annual funding support to capital and non-capital projects that focus on sustainable tourism development in their community or region.
Up to $8,000 each in funding on a matching funds basis; applicants must contribute 25% of the total requested funding (provided on a reimbursement basis)
Grant
Description:
This funding can be used for consultations, artist services, paint supplies, anti-graffiti coating or other needs associated with the creation and installation of a mural.
1. Community Mural Grant Projects for community leagues, non-profit organizations or licensed businesses will be eligible for funding based on a matching funds basis
No specific amount specified
Grant
Description:
The Chinatown Vibrancy Fund aims to support the implementation of the Chinatown Strategy by bringing visitors into the area through festivals, events and cultural projects as well as building community cohesion and empowering residents both housed and unhoused
No specific amount specified
In-Kind Support
Description:
A program advisor that will guide your business in creating a “roadmap to resiliency.” This roadmap is customized for your tourism business, at no cost and with expert advice, to be used as a personalized plan to improve sustainability and climate adaptation in your business.
Up to 50% of eligible project costs for for-profit businesses (up to 75% for Indigenous and not-for-profit organizations); financial support will not exceed $15,000 per grant or $30,000 per organization across all three intakes
Grant
Description:
Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
Project Two of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)–Micro-Grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation–offers micro-grant funding for organizations that already have a sustainability or climate adaptation plan and are ready to implement the recommendations into their organization by purchasing equipment, updating infrastructure, implementing new systems, or pursuing sustainability certification.
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Maurice
