We're here to support tourism operators with information on grants, training, workshops and other resources. Have a question? Email cktourism@chatham-kent.ca or call 1-800-561-6125.
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Tourism Business Newsletter
Tourism Grants & Funding
The Ontario and Federal governments offer a variety of funding opportunities that your organization may be eligible for. Below are current opportunities. Please pay attention to deadlines and click on the web links to access more information for each program. Should you have any questions about any of the following programs, email cktourism@chatham-kent.ca.
The Starter Company Plus Initiative provides free training, consultation and advice from our team of experts to help you get your tourism business started and on the road to success in Chatham-Kent!
If you're starting, expanding or buying an existing business, you can apply for Starter Company Plus and receive free training, mentorship and the opportunity to apply for a business grant of up to $5000.
The Tourism Growth Program is a key part of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. FedDev Ontario is delivering this program with our regional development agency (RDA) colleagues across Canada.
The program provides $108 million over three years to help Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations to grow and develop local tourism products and experiences that will position Canada as a destination of choice for domestic and international visitors.
Over $30 million is available to businesses and organizations in southern Ontario to develop tourism attractions and experiences that will draw people to our communities. About 15% of the investment will support Indigenous-led tourism initiatives. Learn more about eligibility by visiting the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario website.
We invite you to review the detailed application guide to learn more about eligibility requirements. Questions can be directed to our contact centre via telephone (1-866-593-5505) or email (info@feddevontario.gc.ca).
Closed for 2024
Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, but must be submitted at least four months before the event start date.
Description: The Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster program supports costs related to hosting:
- major one-time events in Ontario
- events that do not recur annually or biennially in Ontario
- national or international events in Ontario
Training & Partnership Opportunities
Develop to Market is Back!
Want an ad in the Globe and Mail? Develop to Market (D2M) 3.0 may be able to help you with that. This year, OSW is partnering with the Globe and Mail to support tourism businesses investing in:
- Sustainability
- Accessibility
- Inclusivity
We are looking for tourism operators to provide a minimum of $1,800 in eligible expenses and will match this with $1,800 towards purchasing an ad on your behalf (total value of $5,650)
Ad space is available in the Globe and Mail during the following months:
- September - Explore Ontario Special Supplement – Fall Colours
- Sneak peek of this cooperative full-page ad - Sample Creative
- Supplement Info – (ignore deadline)
- Participation deadline – August 13th
- Ad materials due – August 19th
- October - Fall Fun
- November - Stay & Play
- Early December - Holiday Gift Giving Ideas
Note: Themes may change based on participating partners.
Learn more about D2M 3.0 and to sign up today. There is limited space available and this opportunity has been fully subscribed each year that we've offered it. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
