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.
For the latest information on tariff support programs visit our Tariff Support Information Page.
Reel Impact: *NEW* Social Media Opportunities
Let Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corporation help you with your social media marketing!
Reach a wider audience with a custom reel and TikTok on OSW's social media. Plus, we'll tag your accounts as collaborators on Instagram and Facebook.
Boost your visibility with a custom reel, professionally created and shared on both your channels and OSW's high-performing social media platforms.
Three Packages Available
•Remote Content Package ($175): If you already have high-quality photos and videos, we'll use them to create a custom reel.
•On-Location Content Package ($750): We'll come to your business and collect content for a custom reel. 1.5 hours of content creation included.
•On-Location Destination Awareness Package ($2,000): We'll come to your destination for the day and collect content for a custom reel. 6 hours of content creation included at up to 4 locations.
Limited-Time Opportunities – First Come, First Served
Coming this spring! Sign up for our Tourism Business Newsletter to stay up-to-date on resources and tourism in Chatham-Kent.
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.
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in eastern and southwestern Ontario make investments to:
- grow their businesses
- improve productivity
- invest in innovation and skills development
- pursue new markets
- generate broad positive regional economic impact
- create new good, sustainable jobs
A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations, that will result in benefits to the organization such as business growth or access to new markets.
The types of support available include:
- funding support
- complementary services and support
Business projects
To be eligible, businesses need to:
- have at least 3 years of operations/financial statements
- employ at least 10 people (or 5 if you are in rural Ontario)
- commit to creating at least 5 new jobs (or 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees)
- invest at least $500,000 in their project (or $200,000 if you are in rural Ontario)
- be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in southwestern Ontario
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.
For more information or details contact our Small Business Centre Team today.
Closed for 2024-2025
The Experience Ontario 2025 program provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact to motivate visitors to discover Ontario, connect people with local experiences, and increase tourism spending.
Watch for this grant to return in the fall of 2025 for 2026 projects.
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
