BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative Micro Grant Program

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), 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.

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.

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. 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)

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.

Learn more and apply →

Applications open for Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund | Apply by February 25, 2024

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.

Learn more & apply →

View announcement →

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.

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.

Learn More & Apply →

View Announcement →

Info Sessions

PacifiCan is hosting virtual and in-person information sessions:

• Virtual session for non-profit organizations / Governments: December 6, 3 PM

• Virtual session for tourism businesses: December 6, 1 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.

Learn More →

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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.

A Reminder of the Programs Eligibility Requirements:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Eligible employers can access either the CRHP or the THRP, but not both during the same period.

4. Eligible employers, who had an active payroll account as of March 2020 can access the CRHP.

5. 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.

6. Unlike the THRP, applications to the CRHP can be made retroactively up to 180 days after the end of a period.

7. Applications to the CRHP are made through the same system as the THRP.

Learn More →

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Tourism Events Program Applications Open Until May 31

The Province of BC has restarted the Tourism Events Program accepting applications until May 31, 2022. While historically an annual program, it was paused in spring 2020 due to pandemic restrictions and guidelines limiting gatherings.

The Tourism Events Program (the program) provides funding for up to 10% of the total event budget up to a maximum of $250,000 per event (minimum of $10,000). Funds can also cover a range of marketing expenses.

Eligible events are those that are in B.C. between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, accessible to the public, and are generally sporting, arts, or cultural events. 

Learn More & Apply →

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More Recovery Support Coming for BC's Arts & Culture Sector

More than $12.4 million in one-time funding to the BC Arts Council will offer support to BC artists and organizations as the Province continues to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

From this funding, the BC Arts Council will distribute $7.9 million in resiliency supplements to more than 300 organizations currently receiving operating assistance. The average grant amount is $25,000.

Additionally, BC Arts Council has allocated $4.5 million to top up the Arts Impact Grant program, which closed its intake in January 2022. The next intake of this program is anticipated for winter 2023.

Funding is available to organizations and collectives with an arts and culture mandate or a dedicated arts and culture program. Grants are available to non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and community organizations.

View Announcement →

Propel Student Work Placement Program with Wage Subsidy | Apply Now for Summer 2022.

Facilitated by Tourism HR Canada, Propel, a Student Work Placement Program, has been extended for an additional two years, thanks to generous funding from the Government of Canada.

The program is actively accepting applications for the upcoming summer semester.

Propel provides a direct link to early talent looking for hands-on experience and the opportunity to explore career pathways in the sector. Engaging these students will play an essential role in the immediate recovery of the visitor economy and ensure the ongoing growth of a skilled workforce.

Wage subsidies are available as follows:

• Up to 50% of wages or up to $5,000 to provide students with meaningful WIL opportunities.

• Up to 70% of wages or up to $7,000 to provide students with meaningful WIL opportunities for the following under-represented students: women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Indigenous students, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and newcomers; as well as first-year students.

Learn More & Apply →

Rural Communities to Benefit from Tourism Investments

Source: Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture

VICTORIA – Rural communities affected by mill closures throughout British Columbia will benefit from $1 million in funding to develop tourism opportunities, creating new jobs for people.

“British Columbia is an amazing place with unparalleled natural beauty that we are proud to invite the world to come explore,” said Premier John Horgan. “This tourism investment will help bring new visitors to rural communities throughout the province, while also helping diversify and boost local economies.”

Tourism contributes significantly to the economies of many communities in B.C. This funding from the Province will be provided through Destination BC to the five regional destination marketing organizations (RDMOs). Each RDMO will receive $200,000 in catalyst funding to support strategic planning and destination development in rural communities impacted by mill closures.

“As the tourism market continues to expand globally, there are many communities in B.C. that hold great potential for tourism growth,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “This funding will help rural communities impacted by mill closures develop new tourism opportunities, create good-paying jobs and give residents access to all the things that make an area attractive to visitors.”

RDMOs will work in collaboration with the affected communities and government to prioritize the needs of the people who live there and determine what tourism investments will have the greatest impact.

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Quick Facts:

* Government and Destination BC have led destination development planning for the last three years. This work is the first of its kind in B.C. and focuses on the supply side of tourism, rather than demand: www.destinationbc.ca/what-we-do/destination-management/destination-development/

* Over 70% of Destination BC’s program support is directed towards tourism marketing and destination management programs in small and rural communities throughout B.C.

* B.C. welcomed 6.1 million international visitors in 2018.

* Tourism employs over 137,000 people and generated $18.4 billion in revenue for B.C. in 2017.

Learn More:

There are five RDMOs in B.C.:
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast – www.landwithoutlimits.com
Kootenay Rockies – www.krtourism.ca
Northern B.C. – www.travelnbc.com
Thompson Okanagan – www.totabc.org
Vancouver Island – www.tourismvi.ca

Contact:

Carla Wormald
Communications Manager
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
250 208-4309

Keeping Visitors to the Thompson Okanagan Safe During Emergencies

From the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture

For Immediate Release
2019TAC0067-001125

“The last two summers of unprecedented wildfires were hard on tourism-dependent communities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “We know that one of the biggest challenges the industry faced was getting accurate, up-to-date information to visitors. This year, we’re helping the tourism sector prepare to keep visitors safe during emergencies and making sure tourism in affected areas can rebound quickly.”

The B.C. government is providing a total of $200,000 in one-time grants to support regional destination marketing organizations’ emergency preparedness, including $25,000 to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.

“Timely, accurate information is essential in emergencies,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “The tourism sector can play a critical role in keeping people safe, especially in rural and remote areas. This investment is helping the industry plan ahead so people can get the information they need, when they need it, keeping visitors safe and local economies strong.”

The regional destination marketing organizations will use this funding to create a common set of communications tools, emergency management training for regional teams and co- ordinators, and expand their tourism database to enable real-time information sharing in the event of an emergency. Together, these activities will help mitigate the effects of natural disasters on B.C.’s tourism reputation through better preparedness, co-ordination and communication.

“On behalf of the Thompson Okanagan Region, we applaud the Province in recognizing the importance of improving our crisis management and in providing emergency management funds in order to make this a reality,” said Glenn Mandziuk, president and CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. “In a short time, we will announce the addition of a crisis management co-ordinator in the Thompson Okanagan to work closely with our other regional partners. Through this process, we envision accurate, timely and concise information will be more readily available to residents and tourists alike during emergency situations.”

The government announced the grants as part of B.C. Tourism Week, May 26-June 2, 2019, which highlights the industry’s vital importance to B.C.’s economy by creating jobs, strengthening communities and promoting year-round tourism in all four corners of the province.

LEARN MORE:

Learn how tourism operators can prepare for emergencies: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response- recovery/preparedbc

Learn more about how to personally prepare for an emergency: http://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

Read the minister’s statement on B.C. Tourism Week: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019TAC0039-001066

A backgrounder follows.

CONTACT:

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture

Government Communications and Public Engagement

250 208-4309

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BACkgrounder

Facts about tourism and emergency preparedness:

• The B.C. government supports municipalities by investing more than $145 million annually in the tourism sector.

• B.C. is a top destination for visitors from around the globe:

• In 2018, more than six million visitors came to B.C.

• In 2018, the tourism sector generated approximately $18.4 billion in revenue and employed more than 137,000 people.

• Over the most recent two years, the Province has invested $2.7 million to help attract tourists back to areas affected by wildfires.

• To support community resiliency in the face of wildfires, floods and other emergencies, the B.C. government gave a $31-million boost to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) for local governments and First Nations, bringing the total to $69.5 million.

• The Province is also supporting volunteer and composite fire departments throughout B.C. with a $5-million boost for equipment and training through the Province’s CEPF.

• In addition, the B.C. government provided $10 million in provincial funding to support communities in their recovery from the 2018 wildfire season.

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: news.gov.bc.ca/connect