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.
Digital Main Street funding and assistance are now available.
The program assists Chatham-Kent brick-and-mortar businesses with expanding their digital footprint. This updated program is now available for any registered business in Chatham-Kent that is paying commercial taxes or rent to an entity that is, has between 1 and 50 employees, has not received the grant in the past, and has a permanent brick-and-mortar establishment.
The three components of the Digital Transformation Grant include support for small businesses to help them assess their digital needs, an online training course that equips business owners with the digital literacy skills needed to develop a Digital Transformation Plan, and the opportunity to receive a $2500 grant to assist with the execution of their plan.
If you need assistance or have questions, contact the Small Business Centre team at 1-866-542-5994 or email cksbc@chatham-kent.ca.
Tourism Growth Program
First intake now closed.
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
