If you operate a tourism business in Atlantic Canada and want to bring in more visitors from outside the region, the Elevate Tourism Initiative could help fund your next big project. This program is delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and aims to support high-value tourism experiences that grow revenue across the region.
Tourism plays a big role in Atlantic Canada’s economy. There are more than 7,800 tourism-related businesses in the region. About 111,000 jobs depend on this sector. Elevate was created to strengthen this ecosystem by supporting product development, improving visitor experiences, and boosting operations.
The Elevate Tourism Initiative is a federal funding program designed for tourism businesses in Atlantic Canada. Its main goal is to help businesses improve or expand tourism products that attract out-of-province and international visitors.
Unlike smaller, local marketing grants, Elevate is part of the Canadian government’s broader strategy to support larger, revenue-generating projects that make a lasting impact on the region’s tourism sector.
Key program facts:
The Elevate program is for businesses that directly serve tourists and can demonstrate clear economic benefits.
You may qualify if your business:
Projects aimed only at local residents or businesses not focused on tourism usually do not qualify.
There is no set maximum amount per applicant. Funding amounts depend on your project’s size, financial need, and the expected impact on the region.
What matters most is:
The Elevate program has a $25 million budget shared across Atlantic Canada.
Yes, Elevate Tourism Initiative funding is repayable.
This means it acts more like a government loan than a grant. Repayment terms are worked out with ACOA and usually begin after your project is finished and earning revenue.
Many tourism businesses find these loans attractive because the terms are often more flexible than bank loans. You might get more time to repay and lower interest rates, which can help with cash flow.
Elevate supports projects that lead to long-term improvements, not just short-term marketing.
Eligible activities include:
Routine marketing campaigns and everyday operating costs are usually not supported.
The application process is more involved than for smaller grants and focuses on building a relationship with ACOA.
Describe clearly:
ACOA will ask for:
You don’t apply through a simple online form. Start by reaching out to your local ACOA office to discuss your project and see if it’s a fit.
A tool like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if Elevate or other programs match your needs before you contact ACOA.
If your project qualifies, an ACOA officer will guide you through the formal application and assessment process.
Applying with a marketing-only project
Elevate focuses on product and experience improvements, not just ads or campaigns.
Targeting only local customers
Your project must clearly attract visitors from outside your province or country.
Not preparing for repayable funding
You need to show realistic cash flow and how you will repay the funding.
Waiting too long to apply
Contact ACOA early, before making major spending decisions.
Q: What is the Elevate Tourism Initiative?
It’s an ACOA program offering repayable funding to help Atlantic Canadian tourism businesses improve or expand products, experiences, and operations aimed at attracting high-value visitors.
Q: Who can apply for Elevate funding?
For-profit tourism businesses in Atlantic Canada that focus on out-of-province or international visitors and can show economic impact are eligible.
Q: How much funding is available?
There’s no set maximum. Funding depends on your project and the program’s $25 million regional allocation.
Q: Is the funding a grant or a loan?
It is repayable funding, with terms set by ACOA based on your project and finances.
Q: When does the program end?
The Elevate Tourism Initiative is set to run until March 31, 2026.
If you’re curious about other options, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active funding programs across Canada for tourism businesses.
If you’re planning a major tourism project in Atlantic Canada, consider Elevate early in your process. Check if you’re eligible, clarify your project goals, and think about how a repayable loan fits your budget. From there, platforms like GrantHub can help you see how Elevate works with other federal and provincial tourism funding programs.
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