Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – The second funding round is being released to 67 Indigenous tourism businesses from across Canada who applied for funding of up to $25,000 from a $10 million investment from the Government of Canada through its Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro and Small Business Stream.
This funding program recognizes market readiness standards set by The Original Original Accreditation Program, considering factors such as resource availability, cash flow, marketing and community connections. Its primary objective is to provide support to Indigenous tourism operators, offering funding of up to $25,000 per business to enhance their operations across six crucial categories:
- Effective Community Engagement and Support
- Excellence in Visitor Experience
- Ensuring Health, Safety, and Comfort
- Practicing Sustainable Indigenous Tourism
- Excellence in Marketing and Visitor Services
- Demonstrating Business Acumen/Practices
As ITAC and the Provincial and Territorial Indigenous Tourism Associations continue to receive and approve more applications, grants will be distributed to Indigenous tourism businesses at various stages of their tourism development. This refers to the program’s eligibility criteria. Indigenous tourism businesses must have a completed Application submitted to The Original Original Accreditation Program, be in operation for at least two years and be at least 51% Indigenous-owned tourism business.
“Applications are being assessed on a first-come-first-serve basis and each round represents eligible applications that were received and processed first. As we announce the second round of funding for the Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro and Small Business Stream, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and their communities, driving sustainable economic growth, and sharing our cultures and stories through tourism. Together, we continue to pave the way for the growth of authentic Indigenous tourism experiences and help make Canada the leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.”
– Keith Henry, President and CEO, ITAC
“Indigenous tourism has the power to create opportunities, transform Canadian tourism and advance reconciliation. That’s why helping it grow and thrive is one of our top priorities. Through this Indigenous-led process, we are supporting communities in making their own decisions and developing tourism at their own pace. I look forward to seeing the difference that these projects will make across Turtle Island.”
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
To view the successful applicants from round two, click here.
To learn more about The Original Original Accreditation Program click here.
For more information on the Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro and Small Business Stream, click here