Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now. Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page.
● Still available
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Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
This program is currently closed to new applicants. It previously offered repayable contributions of up to $250,000 to help eligible small and medium-sized tourism businesses in southern Ontario develop local products and experiences. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
Before you spend any money
This program is closed and is not accepting applications. Do not spend money expecting to be paid back. If it reopens, you must get approval before you spend.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are an incorporated SME in the tourism industry with at least five full-time equivalent employees in Canada.
- You are a new applicant who has never received funding from a previous intake of this specific program.
- You are an Indigenous-owned business or organization focused on tourism, as these entities were explicitly eligible.
Probably not the right fit if
- You operate a restaurant, food service, hotel chain, retail store, or private leisure facility, as these sectors were explicitly excluded.
- You have already received funding from a previous intake of the Tourism Growth Program, making you ineligible for new applications.
- You are not primarily focused on the tourism industry or services for public use, as the program required this primary focus.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $250,000 per project for businesses, though exceptions may apply.
What may be supported
- Creating new or innovative tourism offerings or products.
- Investing in digitization or technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
- Developing services to increase tourism activity outside the traditional high season.
- Enhancing accessibility and creating welcoming environments for diverse clientele.
What's excluded or restricted
- Businesses or organizations not primarily focused on the tourism industry or whose services are not primarily for public use or benefit.
- Restaurants / food services.
- Hotel chains.
- Retail sector.
- Private leisure facilities/event venues.
- Applicants that have been approved for funding under a prior Tourism Growth Program intake.
- Costs deemed unreasonable, non-incremental and/or not directly related to project activities.
- Land and building acquisition.
- Motor vehicle costs.
- Refinancing of existing debts.
- In-kind contributions are not an eligible form of matched funding for businesses (though allowed for not-for-profits as part of cost-share).
- Costs you pay before a formal decision is made are at your own risk.
How applying works
Effort: involvedApplications required detailed project plans and documentation of eligible costs, with reimbursement claims processed throughout the project duration.
- 01Monitor the official FedDev Ontario website for announcements regarding the reopening of the program.
- 02Make sure your business meets the eligibility rules, including being an incorporated small or medium-sized tourism business with at least 5 full-time equivalent employees.
- 03Prepare a detailed project plan outlining how the funds will be used for eligible tourism products or digitization.
- 04Submit the application via the official portal when the program reopens, ensuring all costs are incurred only after approval.
Who to ask: 1-866-593-5505 or indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca (for Indigenous applicants)
Documents commonly required
- Proof of incorporation and business registration.
- Evidence of at least 5 full-time equivalent employees in Canada.
- Detailed project plan and budget outlining eligible costs.
- Confirmation that you have not received prior funding from this program.
What to know before you count on it
- It is a repayable contribution, not a grant; you must pay it back over time, though it is not taxable income.
- Repayment typically begins one year after project completion, requiring you to manage cash flow for the repayment phase.
- Funding is reimbursed based on approved costs incurred, meaning you need upfront capital to cover expenses before claiming them back.
- Costs incurred before formal approval are at your own risk and are not eligible for reimbursement.
What are your odds?
Funding was discretionary. It often required a discussion with an officer and a strong, well-documented plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I run a restaurant?
No, restaurants and food services were explicitly excluded from this program.
Is the money a grant or a loan?
It was a repayable contribution, meaning you pay it back over time, but it is not taxable income.
When does repayment start?
For businesses, repayment normally began one year after the completion of the project.
Can I claim costs I already spent?
No, costs incurred before formal approval were at your own risk and not eligible for reimbursement.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Tourism
Grants and loans that may help pay for visitor marketing and online booking.
Funding for Accessibility
Grants for ramps, doors and washrooms may help pay for accessibility improvements.
Funding for Automation
Loans and grants to help you automate business workflows and tasks.
Funding for Cybersecurity
Some digital grants and technology loans may help pay for cybersecurity measures.
What you can combine it with
In-kind contributions were not eligible as matched funding for businesses, though they were allowed for not-for-profits.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.