Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now. Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page. Last verified July 2, 2026.
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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 tourism SMEs in southern Ontario develop local products and experiences. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026; applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
This program is closed; do not spend money expecting reimbursement as no new applications are accepted and approval must precede spending for any active projects.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →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).
- Activities and related costs incurred before a formal decision are made are at the applicant's own risk (implied exclusion from reimbursement if not approved).
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.
- 02Ensure your business meets the eligibility criteria, including being an incorporated SME in tourism with at least 5 FTEs.
- 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.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your tourism website and online booking system with the loan funds, letting visitors reserve experiences instantly and expanding your reach beyond local foot traffic.
- BBN designs Local SEO and Google Business Profile strategies so travelers discover your unique southern Ontario offerings when searching for activities.
- BBN sets up digitization and technology upgrades for your tourism operation, from booking tools to accessibility-friendly features that welcome more visitors.
- BBN builds the digital side of new off-season offerings, so the packages and experiences you add can be found and booked year-round.
- BBN guides you through the application process and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
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 and relationship-based, often requiring 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.
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.
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.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.