Destination Canada Tourism Sprint Program: How to Apply

Destination Canada Tourism Sprint Program: How to Apply

If you are developing a new tourism experience or working on an investment-ready project, early-stage funding can be difficult to secure. The Destination Canada Tourism Sprint Program helps fill this gap. It offers up to $25,000 per project to help Canadian tourism organizations move quickly from idea to execution. The program is open now and supports projects that can start soon and finish within a year.

This guide explains who can apply, what the program funds, and how to submit a strong application.

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What Is the Destination Canada Tourism Sprint Program?

The Tourism Sprint Program is a federal, non-repayable contribution program managed by Destination Canada. Its goal is to speed up tourism product development and help investment-ready projects that are past the feasibility stage.

Key program facts:

• Maximum funding: Up to $25,000 per project
• Cost-share: Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
• Project timeline:
  • Must start within 30 days of approval
  • Must finish within one year
• Program status: Open

This program supports short, focused projects. It is not for long, multi-year builds.

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Who Is Eligible?

To apply for the Destination Canada Tourism Sprint Program, you must meet both organizational and project rules.

Eligible Organizations

Applicants must be based in Canada. They must fall into one of these groups:

• For-profit tourism businesses that mainly deliver tourism products or services
• Incorporated not-for-profit organizations with a tourism focus
• Local, regional, or municipal governments working on tourism projects
• Indigenous communities and organizations, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis groups

You must also meet these requirements:

• Be incorporated or legislated
• Have existed for at least one year
• Hold a Canadian bank account in your organization’s legal name
• Be in good standing with all government funding agreements
• Consult with Destination Canada to confirm eligibility before applying

Eligible Projects

Your project must:

• Be past the feasibility stage
• Focus on tourism product development or investment readiness
• Take place in Canada
• Be able to start within 30 days of funding notification

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How Much Funding Can You Receive?

Funding is limited and competition is strong.

• Maximum contribution: $25,000
• Maximum coverage: 50% of total eligible costs
• Cash contribution required: At least 10% of total project costs must be cash (not in-kind)

For example, if your project budget is $40,000:

• Destination Canada can contribute up to $20,000
• You must provide at least $4,000 in cash
• The rest can come from other eligible sources

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How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Applying to the Destination Canada Tourism Sprint Program is more structured than many micro-grant programs. Here is a simple breakdown:

1. Confirm Eligibility with Destination Canada

Before you apply, you must consult with Destination Canada. This step is required. It makes sure your project fits the program’s goals.

2. Prepare Required Documentation

You will need:

• A clear project plan with timelines and milestones
• A detailed budget showing eligible costs and funding sources
• Two letters of support:
  • One from a provincial or territorial tourism organization
  • One from a local or Indigenous tourism body
• Proof of incorporation and financial standing

3. Submit Your Application

Submit your application through Destination Canada’s program portal. Your project will be assessed for readiness, impact, and ability to deliver within the required timeline.

If you are looking for other tourism grants, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry. This can save you time and help you find programs that fit your business.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying with a project that is still at the feasibility stage
   This program does not fund early exploration or concept validation. Your project must be further developed.

2. Missing letters of support
   Applications without both required letters are usually incomplete and will not be considered.

3. Not meeting the cash contribution requirement
   In-kind contributions do not replace the required 10% cash contribution.

4. Suggesting a long or complicated timeline
   Projects must start within 30 days and finish within one year. Overly ambitious plans are less likely to be approved.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can I receive from the Tourism Sprint Program?
You can receive up to $25,000 per project. This covers a maximum of 50% of eligible costs. Funding is non-repayable.

Q: Do I need letters of support to apply?
Yes. You must submit two letters of support—one from a provincial or territorial tourism organization and one from a local or Indigenous tourism body.

Q: Is a cash contribution required?
Yes. Applicants must contribute at least 10% of total project costs in cash. In-kind contributions alone are not enough.

Q: How quickly must my project start after approval?
Your project must begin within 30 days of receiving funding notification.

Q: Is Tourism Sprint funding taxable in Canada?
In most cases, government contributions are considered taxable income in Canada. Confirm the tax treatment with your Canadian accountant or tax advisor.

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