Budget 2022 announced $20 million over two years in support of a new Indigenous Tourism Fund to help the Indigenous tourism industry recover from the pandemic and position itself for long-term, sustainable growth. The Indigenous Tourism Fund is delivered through two $10 million streams: This investment is from the Stream 2-Micro and Small Business Stream to build capacity of Indigenous tourism micro and small businesses to recover from the impact of COVID-19 and grow. ITAC will deliver the Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro and Small Business Stream with support from Provincial and Territorial Indigenous Tourism Associations.
ITAC acknowledges the inquiries and concerns from Ontario Indigenous tourism applicants regarding the Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro and Small Business Stream process. We understand the urgency surrounding the timing and approval process, particularly with the current need for clarity on the role of Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and the ongoing finalization of the contribution agreement. To date, ITO is still negotiating their role with Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED), a department of the Government of Canada.
Read more about the update here.
To express concern or comment about the Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro and Small Business Stream program, please send your ITAC Board member representing Ontario an email here.