Other Funding Sources

From regional and community-based funding opportunities for art and economic diversification to provincial funding for small businesses and Indigenous entrepreneurs, this is a list of funding sources from organizations and industry partners that are ready to support the development and marketing of your Indigenous tourism operation.

There are a number of funding sources that tourism industry stakeholders (businesses, regions, communities, and sectors) may consider when developing and marketing their tourism products.

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Product Development Fund supports Indigenous tourism businesses to reach a market-ready state and develop sustainable growth for economic success.

BC Rural Dividend

The BC Rural Dividend provides $25 million a year to assist rural communities with a population of 25,000 or less, to reinvigorate and diversify their local economies.

BC Arts Council

The BC Arts Council serves as the BC government’s primary funding and development agency for the arts, allocating $24 million each year through an independent peer review process. The Council approves almost 1,500 grants annually, to applicants from more than 200 communities throughout the province.

Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Development Program

The Community Development Program is set up to address community priorities. The program is open to incorporated non-profit organizations, First Nations, or local governments and accepts applications year-round.

Community Futures British Columbia

Community Futures offers business loans of up to $150,000 to entrepreneurs through 34 offices across the province.

Community Gaming Grants

Community Gaming Grants support the delivery of community organization programs that benefit British Columbians. Non-profit organizations providing programs or services of direct benefit to the broader community are eligible to apply: local organizations, up to $100,000 per year; regional organizations, up to $225,000 per year; and province-wide organizations, up to $250,000 per year.

First Citizen Fund

Business loans are available to Indigenous entrepreneurs in BC, delivered in partnership with four Indigenous Capital Corporations located throughout the province.

Island Coastal Economic Trust

The Island Coastal Economic Trust invests its funds primarily through two grant programs: the Economic Infrastructure Program and the Economic Development Readiness Program. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profits, and First Nations.

Southern Interior Development Initiatives Trust

The Southern Interior Development Initiatives Trust’s grant program provides funding for municipalities, regional districts, First Nations, registered non-profit societies, institutions, and industry associations to support regionally strategic investments in economic development projects that benefit the Southern Interior.

Northern Development Initiative Trust and the Connecting British Columbia Program

Northern Development offers a range of funding programs suited to a diverse set of economic development priorities in central and northern British Columbia. The connecting British Columbia program helps pay for infrastructure required to deliver high-speed Internet connectivity to rural and remote areas of the province.

Business Development Bank of Canada

The Small Business Loan program provides loans of up to $50,000. The entire process is 100% online and is intended to help smaller firms address short-term financing needs. 

First Peoples Cultural Council

The First Peoples’ Cultural Council Arts Micro-Grant is a $1,000 micro-grant that supports projects initiated and directed by Indigenous artists and collectives (groups of three or more people) who have demonstrated a commitment to their artistic practice. There is no set deadline as applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funds all funds are delivered. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2021.

Canadian Roots Exchange

CREation is a multi-level funding program that will support strengths-based, community-focused and youth-led projects taking place in communities across Canada. Grassroot youth groups/collectives (comprised of 3+ Indigenous youth ages 15-29) are eligible to apply for funding to support community programs and projects, while receiving innovative mentorship, training and capacity-building opportunities. Funding of up to $25,000 will be provided to projects/groups that seek to create impactful community change and increase the wellness, resiliency and engagement of Indigenous youth. Our first round of applications open July 6th, 2020. Deadline to apply is August 14th, 2020.