Tourism Growth Program (TGP) in the Prairie provinces
Intake period
The intake period for the Tourism Growth Program in the Prairie provinces is now closed. Applications received and acknowledged by PrairiesCan prior to the intake period closing will be evaluated subject to remaining funding.
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Overview
Tourism drives economic development and diversification in many regions and communities across Canada. 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. The program also complements other federal, provincial and territorial supports for the tourism industry.
The TGP contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism industry.
Indigenous applicants
Indigenous tourism is vital to the economic development and growth of Canada’s tourism industry and is a priority under the TGP. Through the $108 million TGP, approximately 15% will support Indigenous tourism initiatives.
Eligible applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry;
- Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietors) or Indigenous tourism organizations;
- not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) including tourism associations and organizations, and post-secondary institutions;
- governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities).
Eligible activities
Eligible projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Priority may be given to projects that:
- increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban centres to rural areas;
- support the Indigenous tourism industry;
- support economic, environmental and cultural sustainability;
- support active outdoor experiences (projects that provide more opportunities for physically active tourism offerings such as rock-climbing, running/cycling/hiking trail development, downhill/cross-country skiing, watersports, etc);
- extend the tourism season (projects which promote and/or develop product, services or experiences, with an aim to increase tourism activity outside the traditional high season or to extend their services year-round);
- complement supports provided through provincial/territorial programs.
Financial assistance
For small and medium-sized enterprises:
- contributions will normally be repayable.
For not-for-profit organizations:
- contributions will normally be non-repayable.