News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Resources for Navigating Trade and Tariff Issues
The Government of Canada recently announced $6.5 billion in liquidity, advisory and other supports for Canadian workers and businesses including:
New financing and advisory services through the Business Development Bank of Canada Pivot.
Financing through Farm Credit Canada’s Trade Disruption Customer Support program for the agriculture and food industry.
Support for eligible Canadian exporters.
Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has also launched a new intake of the CanExport SME program.
PacifiCan is currently accepting expressions of interest for our Business Scale-up and Productivity program, which supports high-growth companies in B.C. to scale-up operations, commercialize technology, improve productivity and/or diversify markets.
BCRFA Introduce Industry Training & Development Fund
The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA), along with Uber is launching a new training and development fund to help empower the next generation of their industry through education and opportunity.
The BCRFA Development Fund will support members with incoming talents. The grant program will help employers finance education and professional development for people interested in pursuing long-term careers in the industry.
The first opportunity to apply begins on April 1st!
$3,500 Hiring Incentive from B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative
Are you a winery, brewery, or outdoor gear manufacturer looking to grow your workforce while reducing hiring expenses? The B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative provides a $3,500 hiring incentive per youth placement, helping you bring fresh talent into your organization at a lower cost.
What’s in It for You?
$3,500 per hire to help offset wages and training costs.
Industry-specific training included at no cost to you:
Manufacturing Foundations – Teaches adaptability, problem-solving, communication, and accountability.
Lean Fundamentals – Equips participants with Lean Thinking to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Who’s Eligible?
Youth aged 16-24, residing in B.C., and eligible to work in Canada.
Positions available across production, service, and administration.
Employers can hire multiple participants.
How It Works:
Quick & Easy Application: Apply online in just 5 minutes.
Consent Forms: Our team will guide you through the required paperwork.
Online Training: Participants complete training modules to enhance their skills.
Employment & Incentive: Once youth fulfill work-hour requirements (240 hours for high school students, 320 for others), employers receive the $3,500 incentive.
Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce hiring costs while shaping the future of B.C.’s manufacturing industry.
Destination Events Program - New Province of BC Grant
The Destination Events Program (DEP) in British Columbia offers funding to support tourism, arts, culture, and sport events across the province. Eligible organizations—including Indigenous communities, not-for-profits, businesses, and local governments—can apply for up to 10% of their total event budget, with a maximum of $200,000 per event.
Open for applications on April 7 - May 5, 2025
Rogers Youth Grants: Supporting Education and Workforce Development
Rogers Communications has announced the 2025 call for applications for their Youth Grants, supporting organizations delivering educational and employment programs to underserved youth.
Applications open on March 24, 2025, for grants of $10,000 or $25,000. This initiative prioritizes programs focused on mentorship, academic training, and career readiness to empower youth ages 12-29. For more details, visit their website.
ORCBC Grants & Funding Page
ORCBC has organized a webpage to help recreation organizations stay on top of opportunities to access funding for their recreation initiatives.
A new directory of fundraising sources is now available to help recreation organizations access funding for outdoor recreation initiatives, accessibility programs, trail maintenance, supply purchases, and professional development for volunteer crews.
Explore the resources at the bottom of the page, including 'Tips for Quality Grant Applications in Outdoor Recreation' and a grant tracking template.
Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC is Accepting Applications
Apply by February 20, 2025 for the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC.
The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC supports grants that help shape meaningful outdoor recreation and nature-based activities in British Columbia.
The second intake of this fund opens on January 20, 2025. Interested applicants can check out previous grant recipients, or apply directly by February 20, 2025.
Applications for BCTCRI Micro-Grant Program Open Until January 28
The intake period for BCTCRI Project 2 is open until January 28, 2025.
Applications for the BCTCRI Project 2 are open until January 28, 2025.
Eligible businesses can apply for funding up to $15,000 to build upon or implement a climate resiliency plan.
BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative Micro Grant Program
This funding will support the implementation of recommendations in these businesses’ sustainability and climate adaptation planning.
Starting January 7, 2025, tourism businesses, non-profits, and Indigenous organizations within the tourism industry can apply for a micro-grant of up to $15,000 for projects that reduce energy use, waste, water consumption, and more. This funding will support the implementation of recommendations in these businesses’ sustainability and climate adaptation planning.
Funding Opportunities Available
The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation has made a list of available funding opportunities for eligible businesses, organizations, and communities.
ETSI-BC Fall 2024 Funding Intake
The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior has announced its fall funding intake with $625,000 available this funding cycle for different projects.
Local communities, First Nations, economic development organizations, and industry groups within the Southern Interior of British Columbia are eligible to apply.
Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) Grant Intake Now Open
The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a grant launched by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI) that supports projects that promote economic diversification, resilience, clean growth opportunities, and infrastructure development.
The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a grant launched by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI), with a funding allocation of $33M per year. REDIP supports projects that promote the following:
Economic diversification
Resilience
Clean growth opportunities
Infrastructure development
Learn more and apply for the third intake of REDIP. This intake will close on October 31st at 11:59 PM PST.
BC Rivers Day Micro-Grants Funding Opportunity from ORCBC
This year, for the first year ever, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is offering a limited number of small, one-time micro grants of $300 each to help outdoor groups host BC Rivers Day events in their community.
This year, for the first year ever, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is offering a limited number of small, one-time micro grants of $300 each to help outdoor groups host BC Rivers Day events in their community.
BC Rivers Day is an annual celebration held on the fourth Sunday of September to promote the importance of British Columbia's rivers and watersheds. It was established in 1980 by ORCBC and outdoor enthusiast and river conservationist Mark Angelo.
With support from the BC Parks Licence Plate program and other supporters, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is thrilled to launch the BC Rivers Day micro grant program.
Learn more about the program and apply for the program visit ORCBC.ca.
Applications are open now until Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
Destination BC Micro-Grant Opportunity - Applications Open May 13-31, 2024
Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding from Destination BC, through their BC Tourism Climate Resilience Initiative, of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding from Destination BC, through their BC Tourism Climate Resilience Initiative, of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
Project Two of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)–Micro-Grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation–offers micro-grant funding for organizations that already have a sustainability or climate adaptation plan and are ready to implement the recommendations into their organization by:
purchasing equipment,
updating infrastructure,
implementing new systems, or
pursuing sustainability certification.
Benefits to businesses and organizations receiving a micro-grant include:
Support for creating long-lasting, positive impacts to help your tourism business prepare for the effects of climate change and align with provincial climate resiliency goals.
Up to $15,000 to invest in projects in your tourism business that improve responsible practices in operations to support climate change adaptation.
Potential long-term cost savings for your tourism business created by reduced energy or resource use.
Introduction of a process that promotes continuous improvement in your tourism business.
Potential recognition and credential through third-party sustainability certification.
Confidence in knowing that your tourism business is better prepared to adapt to climate events.
Learn more about the Grant opportunity and who is eligible at DestinationBC.ca
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Destination Events Support Fund by Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. This was developed because Tourism Kamloops is committed to elevating Kamloops as an attractive, year-round destination by investing in strategies that focus on off-peak visitation. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Program Goals:
- Generate incremental visitation and overnight stays in October, November, December, January, February, March & April.
- Develop the destination in off-peak months by creating events that enhance perception, increase awareness, and stimulate advocacy for Kamloops in key markets (social media & word-of-mouth)
- Enhance resident sentiment
- Increase net promoter score
Find out if you qualify for the funding by visiting TourismKamloops.com /Event-Support-Fund.
Securing Small Business Rebate Now Open (until funds are expended, or January 2025)
Small companies can get rebates for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs or to implement eligible preventative measures and covers expenses incurred between January 2023 to December 30, 2024.
Recognizing the increased costs to businesses due to property crime and vandalism in rural and urban communities across the province, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation is sending a reminder that its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, is open, and will run through to January 2025 (or until funds are expended).
The Program will provide small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures and covers expenses incurred between January 2023 to December 30, 2024. The BC Chamber of Commerce will administer the rebate program.
Applications open for Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund | Apply by February 25, 2024
BC-based events can apply for one-time grants, up to about 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event.
The Province of BC opened applications for the 2024 Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund. BC-based events can apply for one-time grants, up to about 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event.
Event organizers will be able to tackle ongoing challenges the sector faces, such as reduced revenue and sponsorships, and rising costs of equipment and services.
Event funding will also support those areas affected by the 2023 wildfires and will help boost visitation and generate economic activity for those communities.
Eligibility
Eligible events include sporting events, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs and rodeos with a budget of at least $10,000, between April 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025.
Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, Indigenous consultation and honorariums, venue rental, marketing, wages, and promotion.
Application Details
Applications will be accepted until Feb. 25, 2024. Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Apply for Tourism Growth Program: Funding up to $250,000 | Info Sessions on December 6 & 7
PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP) will provide up to $250,000 in funding to businesses, tourism organizations, and local communities to develop tourism products and experiences that create lasting prosperity in BC communities. Info sessions will be held on December 6 (virtual) and 7 (in Kelowna). Apply by February 2024.
PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP) will provide up to $250,000 in funding to businesses, tourism organizations, and local communities to develop tourism products and experiences that create lasting prosperity in BC communities.
Eligible businesses can apply for interest-free repayable funding of up to $250,000 to support the growth of tourism operations.
Eligible not-for-profit organizations can apply for non-repayable funding of up to $250,000 to support the growth of the tourism industry.
Projects must target one of six priorities:
Support active tourism
Increase tourism benefits for communities
Support the Indigenous tourism industry
Support economic, environmental and culturally sustainable tourism
Extend the season
Complement support provided through provincial programs.
Apply by February 20, 2024.
Info Sessions
PacifiCan is hosting virtual and in-person information sessions:
Virtual session for non-profit organizations / Governments: December 6, 3 PM
In person session - Kelowna, December 7, 10 AM. To register, email southern.interior@pacifican.gc.ca
The Airbnb OMG! Fund | Apply by July 22, 2022
The OMG Fund is Airbnb’s program to build the most creative, jaw-dropping places on earth, which can be listed in the OMG! Category on AirBnB. 100 people will receive $100K to fund their off-beat build.
AirBnB considers originality, feasibility, sustainability, and the experience into its decision making when reviewing applications. Accommodation plan would need to pass all required inspections and bylaws and would need to be completed by August 2023.
Applications are due by July 22, 2022.
The OMG Fund is Airbnb’s program to build the most creative, jaw-dropping places on earth, which can be listed in the OMG! Category on AirBnB. 100 people will receive $100K to fund their off-beat build.
AirBnB considers originality, feasibility, sustainability, and the experience into its decision making when reviewing applications. Accommodation plan would need to pass all required inspections and bylaws and would need to be completed by August 2023.
Applications are due by July 22, 2022.
Reminder: Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) - Apply by May 7
While the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) expires on May 7, 2022, the government will accept retroactive applications.
Intended to support recovery for businesses to hire employees or increase work hours of existing employees, the CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Programs Eligibility Requirements:
The CRHP provides up to 50% wage subsidies for new employees or for existing employees who are working increased hours or earn a higher wage. Eligible employers must have a revenue loss of more than 10% to qualify.
The CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Eligible employers can access either the CRHP or the THRP, but not both during the same period.
Eligible employers, who had an active payroll account as of March 2020 can access the CRHP.
The THRP subsidies require a minimum period-over-period revenue loss of at least 40% and some employers no longer meet the 40% revenue loss requirement to qualify for the THRP.
Unlike the THRP, applications to the CRHP can be made retroactively up to 180 days after the end of a period.
Applications to the CRHP are made through the same system as the THRP.
While the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) expires on May 7, 2022, the government will accept retroactive applications.
Intended to support recovery for businesses to hire employees or increase work hours of existing employees, the CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
A Reminder of the Programs Eligibility Requirements:
The CRHP provides up to 50% wage subsidies for new employees or for existing employees who are working increased hours or earn a higher wage. Eligible employers must have a revenue loss of more than 10% to qualify.
The CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Eligible employers can access either the CRHP or the THRP, but not both during the same period.
Eligible employers, who had an active payroll account as of March 2020 can access the CRHP.
The THRP subsidies require a minimum period-over-period revenue loss of at least 40% and some employers no longer meet the 40% revenue loss requirement to qualify for the THRP.
Unlike the THRP, applications to the CRHP can be made retroactively up to 180 days after the end of a period.
Applications to the CRHP are made through the same system as the THRP.