Tourism Growth Program in Southern Ontario ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) operating in the tourism sector - Community organizations and local development agencies - Not-for-profit organizations involved in tourism development - Tourism boards and destination marketing organizations - Businesses and organizations must be based in or serving southern Ontario communities - Applicants should demonstrate commitment to growing local tourism products and experiences ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant amount: Specific funding levels not detailed in program description (typically ranges from $10,000–$500,000+ for tourism programs) - Funding structure: Non-repayable grant (not a loan) - Matching requirements: Likely requires cost-sharing or co-investment from applicant (typical ratio: 25–50% match) - Budget considerations: Funds support development projects with defined timelines and deliverables - Currency: Canadian dollars (CAD) ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Development of new local tourism products and experiences - Tourism infrastructure improvements and upgrades - Marketing and promotion of tourism offerings - Feasibility studies and business planning for tourism initiatives - Training and capacity building for tourism operators - Digital tools and platforms for tourism experience delivery - Visitor experience enhancements - Community engagement and heritage tourism development ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Geographic scope: Projects must benefit southern Ontario communities - Project outcomes: Clear tourism growth objectives and measurable results required - Reporting requirements: Progress tracking and impact reporting on visitor numbers, economic benefits, or jobs created - Compliance: Adherence to government funding guidelines and accountability standards - Timeline: Projects must have defined start and completion dates - Community benefit: Emphasis on local economic development and community involvement - Eligible use verification: Funds must be used exclusively for approved tourism development activities