FedNor Programs

Posted on February 16, 2024

FedNor Launches Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro & Small Business Stream

 

FedNor has announced the launch of the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS). This program will be rolled out across Ontario in partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). This program was designed to help the Indigenous tourism industry recover from the pandemic and position itself for long-term, sustainable growth.

It will help Indigenous tourism businesses address barriers to business, visitor and export readiness so they can take advantage of a growing demand for leisure travel, particularly cultural tourism, better positioning Canada as a global tourism destination of choice.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Indigenous Tourism Fund: Micro and Small Business Stream website to review whether they are eligible to apply under the program. Additional eligibility details can be found on ITAC’s website.

Tourism Growth Program

 

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) supports Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. 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, cycling/hiking trail development, etc.)
  • extend the tourism season (projects which support development and growth of products, services or experiences, with an aim to increase tourism activity outside the traditional high season or to extend their services year-round)

Funding is project-based, with applicants able to request a maximum of $250,000 per project. Business applicants are eligible for fully repayable, interest-free funding. Not-for-profit organizations are eligible for non-repayable contributions. Projects must be completed no later than March 31, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Application Guide in full and to contact a FedNor Officer prior to submitting an application.
FedNor Website
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