Tourism Growth Program for Indigenous Tourism Businesses: Eligibility and Fit

Tourism Growth Program for Indigenous Tourism Businesses: Eligibility and Fit

Many Indigenous tourism businesses in Canada want to grow, but finding funding that fits their goals and ownership can be challenging. The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offers support for expanding tourism, with a special focus on Indigenous-led projects. The program provides non-repayable contributions. This helps businesses grow, modernize, and attract more visitors.

How the Tourism Growth Program Supports Indigenous Tourism Businesses

The Tourism Growth Program is a federal funding program delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies. In the Prairie provinces, it is administered by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). The program has a total budget of $108 million over three years. It aims to strengthen Canada’s tourism economy, including Indigenous tourism initiatives.

Indigenous-Specific Focus

At least 15% of total TGP funding is allocated to Indigenous tourism initiatives. This includes Indigenous-owned businesses and Indigenous tourism organizations. The goal is to support culturally authentic experiences, community-led economic development, and long-term business growth.

Eligible Projects and Activities

The Tourism Growth Program does not fund day-to-day operations. It supports growth-oriented projects. Examples include:

• Expanding or upgrading tourism facilities
• Developing new Indigenous tourism experiences or products
• Investing in tourism-related equipment or infrastructure
• Adopting digital tools for marketing, booking, or visitor management
• Improving accessibility or visitor readiness

Projects must show clear economic benefits. They should also demonstrate long-term sustainability, especially in rural or Indigenous communities.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Who Is Eligible?

Indigenous tourism applicants may be eligible if they fall into one of these categories:

• Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including Indigenous sole proprietors
• Indigenous tourism organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations, including Indigenous tourism associations
• Post-secondary institutions partnering on tourism-related projects
• Municipal, provincial, or territorial governments and related entities

Your business must operate in the tourism industry. You need to propose a project that increases visitation, revenue, or capacity.

How Much Funding Can You Receive?

TGP funding is provided as non-repayable contributions. There is no fixed maximum amount. Funding levels depend on:

• Project scope and budget
• Applicant type (for-profit or not-for-profit)
• Regional priorities and available funds

Most projects require applicants to cover some of the costs. You can use cash or other confirmed funding sources to do this.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter tourism grants by Indigenous ownership, province, and project type.

Intake Status and Timing

In the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), the TGP intake is currently closed. Applications submitted before the intake closed may still be assessed, depending on remaining funds. Future intakes may open, but timelines are not guaranteed.

Intake windows are often short. Preparing your project plan and documents early is important.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying for operating expenses
   TGP does not fund regular wages, rent, or ongoing marketing. Your project must focus on growth or expansion.

2. Unclear Indigenous ownership or control
   Indigenous-owned businesses should clearly document ownership, governance, and community involvement.

3. Weak tourism impact explanation
   Applications often fail when they do not clearly explain how the project will increase visitors or revenue.

4. Waiting until intake opens to prepare
   Intake periods can close quickly. Strong applications are usually prepared months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Tourism Growth Program only for Indigenous businesses?
No. The program supports both Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism projects. However, at least 15% of funding is reserved for Indigenous tourism initiatives.

Q: Is TGP funding repayable?
No. Funding is provided as a non-repayable contribution. You do not pay it back if you meet the program terms.

Q: Can an Indigenous non-profit tourism organization apply?
Yes. Indigenous not-for-profits, tourism associations, and organizations are eligible applicants under TGP.

Q: Does my business need to be located in a rural area?
No. Rural projects are a priority, but urban Indigenous tourism businesses may also be eligible if the project meets program goals.

Q: Can I combine TGP with other grants?
Often yes, but stacking rules apply. Total government funding usually cannot exceed a set percentage of project costs. Each case is reviewed individually.

GrantHub tracks many active grant programs across Canada, including Indigenous tourism funding. You can check which ones match your business profile.

Next Steps

The Tourism Growth Program for Indigenous tourism businesses is a strong fit if you are planning a growth-focused project and can show long-term tourism impact. Even when intakes are closed, preparing early gives you an advantage.

To explore similar Indigenous and tourism-focused funding options, see also:

• What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?
• How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
• Futurpreneur and BDC Loans for Indigenous Startups: Terms and What to Expect

GrantHub can help you stay ready by tracking intake changes and matching your Indigenous tourism business with programs that fit your needs.