There are a number of funding sources that tourism industry stakeholders (businesses, regions, communities, and sectors) may consider when developing and marketing their tourism products.
The BC Arts Council serves as the BC government’s primary funding and development agency for the arts, allocating $24 million each year through an independent peer review process. The Council approves almost 1,500 grants annually, to applicants from more than 200 communities throughout the province.
The BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program provides cost-sharing opportunities for network planning grants and infrastructure grants. Funding from these grant programs support the development of active transportation infrastructure for all ages and abilities. For example, infrastructure grants fund: Multi-use protected travel lanes; Pedestrian and cycling safety improvements; End-of-trip facilities and other amenities; Lighting and way-finding.
To help residents and communities take action on issues that are important to them, the trust offers various grants including Community Development Plan, Community Outdoor Revitalization Grants, and Trail Enhancement Grants.
Community Gaming Grants support the delivery of community organization programs that benefit British Columbians. Non-profit organizations providing programs or services of direct benefit to the broader community are eligible to apply: local organizations, up to $100,000 per year; regional organizations, up to $225,000 per year; and province-wide organizations, up to $250,000 per year.
Business loans are available to Indigenous entrepreneurs in BC, delivered in partnership with four Indigenous Capital Corporations located throughout the province.
The Island Coastal Economic Trust invests its funds primarily through two grant programs: DIVERSIFY – Capital and Innovation Program and the THRIVE – Small Capital Program. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profits, and First Nations.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Product Development Fund supports Indigenous tourism businesses to reach a market-ready state and develop sustainable growth for economic success.
The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior provides funding and support for communities to support strategic investments in economic development projects that will have long-lasting and measurable benefits to the Southern Interior region of BC.
The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society assists the people of the Nechako region by investing in sustainable economic and community stability projects in the area most affected by the Kemano project and the creation of the Nechako Reservoir.
Northern Development offers a range of funding programs suited to a diverse set of economic development priorities in central and northern British Columbia.
The Resort Municipality Initiative is managed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and is intended to assist small, tourism-based municipalities to increase visitation, resort amenities, private investment, and employment.
The Small Business Loan program provides loans of up to $100,000. The entire process is 100% online and is intended to help smaller firms address short-term financing needs.
The Tourism Events Program (TEP) helps events increase the volume of visitors to British Columbia, and/or increase global recognition for the province by providing supplemental funding for marketing, promotional, advertising and broadcast activities. It supports a wide range of events, including arts, cultural or internationally recognized competitive sporting events.
Heritage BC supports heritage conservation across British Columbia through education, training and skills development, capacity building in heritage planning and funding through the Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF).
Infrastructure Canada works closely with all orders of government and other partners to enable investments in social, green, public transit and other core public infrastructure, as well as trade and transportation infrastructure.
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) is the regional development agency focused on British Columbia’s evolving economy. Financial support is available for businesses and not-for-profit organizations with projects that advance economic growth and diversity in British Columbia.
The Tourism Relief Fund helps tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. With a budget of $500 million over 2 years (ending March 31, 2023), including $50 million specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives and $15 million for national initiatives, this fund will position Canada to be a destination of choice when domestic and international travel is once again safe.
