Investment funding opportunities | Destination Development Knowledge Hub

Jump to section

This page offers general information about funding opportunities and is intended for informational purposes only. While we aim to keep content accurate as of the posted date, program details - including eligibility and deadlines - may change at any time. Destination Canada is not responsible for changes made by funding providers. Unless indicated, Destination Canada is not administering or endorsing any particular opportunity.

We make no representations regarding the availability, suitability, eligibility or deadlines for any of the funding opportunities listed below. It is your responsibility to verify current details with the program provider and conduct your own due diligence.

Ongoing opportunities

Explore a curated list of federal, provincial, and private funding programs across Canada that support local businesses, community projects, and destination development. Whether you're launching something new or growing an existing initiative, this page helps you find the right opportunities.

Federal opportunities

Federal opportunities

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) - Elevate Tourism Initiative

The Elevate Tourism Initiative (Elevate) is a focused, time-limited effort aimed at enhancing tourism offerings in Atlantic Canada. The goal is to boost investment in private sector (commercial) tourism businesses across the region that are ready – or preparing – to attract visitors from outside the four Atlantic provinces who seek meaningful, high-impact experiences and are willing to increase their spending during their stay.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Business Development Bank of Canada - The Small Business Loan program

The Small Business Loan program at BDC provides loans of up to $100k. The entire process is 100% online and is intended to help smaller firms address short-term financing needs.

Application deadline: Ongoing (deadline is Fall every year)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) - Tourism Growth Program

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) is a key element of the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which builds on Canada's inherent strengths and unique qualities while using a whole-of-government approach to realize the full potential of the tourism industry. With $108 million in federal funding, the TGP will be delivered by Canada's regional development agencies over three years, starting in 2023–24. The program will support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local, community-level tourism products and experiences to help more domestic and international visitors discover all that Canada has to offer.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Canadian Heritage - Canada Cultural Investment Fund (CCIF)

The Canada Cultural Investment Fund (CCIF) encourages private sector investment and partnerships to strengthen arts and heritage organizations. It supports endowment incentives, financial aid for endangered arts groups, and projects that improve business practices. To date, 108 projects have been approved.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Canadian Heritage - Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage culture and creative innovation. The Fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Canadian Heritage - Indigenous Heritage Museums Assistance Program

The Indigenous Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program provides funding for projects related to the preservation, management, and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) - Tourism Growth Program

The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in growing and developing local tourism products and experiences. The program also complements supports for the tourism sector provided through other federal, provincial and territorial programs.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) - Tourism Growth Program

The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in growing and developing local tourism products and experiences. The program also complements supports for the tourism sector provided through other federal, provincial and territorial programs.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) - Tourism Growth Program

The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in growing and developing local tourism products and experiences. The program also complements supports for the tourism sector provided through other federal, provincial and territorial programs.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada - Canada Community-Building Fund

The Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) provides annual support to more than 3,700 communities across the country, enabling strategic investments in key infrastructure. Funding covers 19 project categories, including tourism, culture, and recreation.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Indigenous Services Canada - Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP)

The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program - Access to Capital stream provides ongoing funding to Indigenous entrepreneurs through the network of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs). The program supports small and medium-sized businesses.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Indigenous Services Canada - First Nation Infrastructure Fund

The First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) helps Indigenous communities upgrade and increase public infrastructure to improve the quality of life and the environment in Indigenous communities.

Application deadline: Ongoing (deadline is Fall every year)

Indigenous Services Canada - Strategic Partnerships Intiative

The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) supports Indigenous economic development by coordinating federal efforts and providing funding for readiness, infrastructure, business expansion, feasibility studies, and skills development.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Indigenous Services Canada - Community Opportunity Readiness

The Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) provides project-based funding to support First Nations and Inuit communities in pursuing and participating in economic opportunities, aiming to generate community economic benefits like employment and business revenues.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada - Strategic Innovation Fund

Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) supports large-scale projects that promote innovation and strengthen Canada's global competitiveness. It funds initiatives in sectors such as tourism, digital transformation, sustainable infrastructure, and experience-driven services. As of March 2025, the program has supported 143 projects across these industries.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) - Tourism Growth Program

The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in growing and developing local tourism products and experiences. The program also complements supports for the tourism sector provided through other federal, provincial and territorial programs.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) - Tourism Growth Program

The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in growing and developing local tourism products and experiences. The program also complements supports for the tourism sector provided through other federal, provincial and territorial programs.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Transport Canada - Airport Capital Assistance Program

The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) has been funding improvement projects for regional airports since 1995. To date, the Government has invested more than $1.12 billion for 1,088 projects at 199 airports.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Provincial opportunities

Provincial opportunities

East - Government of Newfoundland & Labrador - Regional Development Fund

Projects aimed at supporting economic development, innovation and capacity building in all regions of the province. The Regional Development Fund is comprised of two components: the Regional Development Program and Community Capacity Building.

Application deadline: Ongoing

East - Tourism Prince Edward Island - Tourism Innovation Fund

The Tourism Innovation Fund supports tourism operators in Prince Edward Island who are investing in innovative products, experiences, or services. The fund aims to enhance the quality and competitiveness of PEI’s tourism offerings by encouraging creativity, adaptation, and new development in the industry.

Application deadline: Ongoing

East - Government of Prince Edward Island - Seasonal Extension Tourism Product Development Fund

The Seasonal Extension Tourism Product Development Fund supports PEI tourism operators in developing innovative offerings that attract visitors outside peak season. It aims to extend the tourism season, reduce risk for new initiatives, support year-round operations, and strengthen PEI’s brand as a multi-season destination.

Application deadline: May 31st, 2025

North - Government of Northwest Territories - Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED)

The Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy (SEED) is to help as part of the Government of the Northwest Territories' commitment to investing in a diverse, sustainable economy.

Application deadline: Ongoing

North - Government of Northwest Territories - Community Economic Development (component of SEED)

These funds help organizations looking to advance regional economic development initiatives by investing in planning, infrastructure, information campaigns, and events promoting economic opportunities.

Application deadline: Ongoing

North - Government of Nunavut - Community Tourism and Cultural Industries (CTCI) Program

This program strengthens community infrastructure and readiness for tourism, and enhances economic development in sectors such as music, digital media, writing and performing arts. Outfitters, tourist establishments, businesses, artist organizations, hunters and trappers organizations, artists, societies, studios or artist co-operatives and municipalities can apply for funding.

Application deadline: Ongoing

North - Government of Nunavut - Nunavut Strategic Investments Program

This program offers assistance to businesses majority-owned by Nunavut residents, municipalities, not-for-profit corporations and societies. Under the program, businesses can get a contribution to cover expansion or start-up costs.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Government of Alberta - Community Facility Enhancement Program

The Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) provides financial support to upgrade, expand, purchase, or build arts, cultural, heritage, recreational, sport, or other related public-use community facilities.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Government of Alberta - First Nations Development Fund Grant Program

The First Nations Development Fund Grant Program provides funding to First Nations in Alberta for economic, social, and community development projects. It supports initiatives like infrastructure, cultural preservation, education, health, and social programs, aiming to enhance the quality of life and promote sustainable development within First Nations communities.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Government of Alberta - Aboriginal Business Investment Fund

The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) provides direct investment to Indigenous community-owned businesses in Alberta. It supports capital projects that are close to starting operations, aiming to increase Indigenous businesses, create employment opportunities, generate local revenue, and strengthen community economies.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Travel Alberta - Product Development Fund

Develop or diversify a new or existing tourism product, experience or service in Alberta.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Travel Alberta - Rural Development & Promotion Fund

Grow tourism in your community through development and promotion initiatives.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Travel Alberta - Events & Festivals Fund

Activate events that drive overnight visitations.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Government of Manitoba - Heritage Grants Program

The Heritage Grants Program in Manitoba assists in identifying, protecting, and interpreting the province's human and natural heritage. It provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, local governments, universities, and First Nations for heritage projects, excluding heritage building conservation.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Tourism Saskatchewan - Tourism Development Program

Tourism Saskatchewan’s Tourism Development Program helps tourism businesses create purchasable experiences, extend seasonal use of infrastructure, and strengthen core operations. Eligible businesses can receive up to $40,000 to support projects that expand and diversify Saskatchewan’s tourism offerings with new or enhanced visitor experiences.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Affinity Credit Union - Community Development Program

Affinity Credit Union’s Community Development Funding program supports local initiatives in Saskatchewan that enhance community well-being, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants include non-profits, co-operatives, Indigenous and municipal entities, and educational institutions. Funding typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with occasional grants up to $25,000.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Prairies - Co-op - Community Spaces Funding Program

The Co-op Community Spaces program offers $25,000 to $150,000 in capital funding for community projects in Western Canada. It supports initiatives in recreation, environmental conservation, and urban agriculture. Eligible applicants include registered charities, non-profits, and co-ops in BC, AB, SK, or MB. Projects must be publicly accessible, completed within two years, and include permanent Co-op signage.

Application deadline: Ongoing

West - Government of British Columbia - Active Transportation Planning

The Active Transportation Planning program, funded by the BC government, supports local governments in integrating active transportation into formal planning documents. It includes research, engagement, and policy development, with grants up to $30,000 for eligible communities. This initiative aims to promote sustainable, human-powered transportation options.

Application deadline: September 20, 2025

West - Columbia Basin Trust - Community Development Program

The Community Development Program supports the efforts of Basin residents to address community challenges and opportunities in the Columbia Basin Trust region. Applicable groups include non-profits, public organizations, municipalities, regional districts and Indigenous organizations. Businesses may be considered depending on the project and its broad community impact.

Application deadline: Ongoing

West - Northern Development Initiative Trust - Community Places

The Northern Development Initiative Trust's Community Places Program provides funding for the creation, restoration, or enhancement of community spaces. Projects must be community-oriented and accessible to all members. Eligible applicants include local governments, First Nations, and registered non-profits. Eligible region: Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

Application deadline: April 30, 2025

Private opportunities

Private opportunities

Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) - TD Charitable Foundation Regional Grants

The Regional Grants support local programs that improve the quality of life in diverse communities. They focus on initiatives aligned with the TD Ready Commitment, particularly those benefiting historically underserved and low-to-moderate income populations.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) - TD Charitable Foundation Capacity Building Fund

The Capacity Building Fund within the TD Charitable Foundation provides funding to help strengthen and increase the impact of organizations on the communities they serve. It also offers a Nonprofit Training Resource Fund available for organizations to use toward specific trainings that increase their employees' capacities and skill sets.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) - TD Bank Community Sponsorship Program

The TD Bank Community Sponsorship Program supports local events and activities that positively impact communities. Funding is available to both for-profit and non-profit organizations that enhance community engagement.

Application deadline: Ongoing

The J W McConnell Family Foundation - Communities, Reconciliation, and Climate

The JW McConnell Family Foundation funds activities in Communities, Reconciliation, and Climate. In the Communities space, they support collaborative action, policy change, and regeneration to address social and economic inclusion barriers, including Indigenous-led solutions for economic prosperity and collaborative funding projects.

Application deadline: Ongoing

River Philip Foundation - Community Infrastructure, Performing and Visual Arts

The River Philip Foundation funds community infrastructure projects that support social and economic goals benefiting residents. It also enriches Canadian culture by supporting museums, art galleries, performing arts, and the preservation of significant Canadian history.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Pathy Family Foundation - Community Development and Engagement, Social Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Economies

The Pathy Family Foundation supports community development by funding initiatives that improve access to quality services and advocate for equitable, sustainable development. In social entrepreneurship, it invests in programs promoting economic inclusion, livelihood growth, and diversified economies, including women, youth, and BIPOC-led enterprises.

Application deadline: Ongoing

Feedback and Content Requests

We welcome your feedback to help improve the Knowledge Hub and keep it aligned with user needs. Please use the form below to share suggestions, report issues, or request new content.

Share your feedback here