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Funding Details
Review the details below if you think you may qualify to apply for funding.

Major Attractions

Large-scale or high-impact tourism offerings that draw regional or out-of-town visitors, including built infrastructure or natural destination enhancements.

Eligible Projects

  • Visitor centre upgrades or expansions
  • Trail development or restoration with visitor services
  • Farm-based visitor experiences with tourism infrastructure
  • Accessible docks, lookouts, platforms, or scenic installations

Eligibility

  • Must be accessible to the public or clearly tied to a tourism business
  • Must demonstrate ability to attract non-resident visitors
  • Must include a long-term sustainability/maintenance plan

Funding details

  • Max Funding: $30,000 (high-impact projects)
  • Match: 25% encouraged (cash or in-kind)
  • Use of Funds: 100% for capital expenses
  • Project Term: Medium- or Long-Term preferred

Festivals and Events

Cultural, recreational, or seasonal festivals and events that drive visitation and elevate Owen Sound’s profile as a vibrant destination.

Eligible Projects

  • Cultural or music festivals or experiences
  • Outdoor events (e.g., bike races, paddling festivals, foraging fairs)
  • Public art launches tied to events

Eligibility

  • Must be tourism-focused (not solely for local audiences)
  • Must involve artists, performers, or cultural facilitators
  • Must include a marketing/tourism promotion component

Funding details

  • Max Funding: $20,000
  • Match: Encouraged
  • Use of Funds: 70% for programming, 30% marketing
  • Project Term: Short- or Medium-Term

New Experiences

Development of new tourism products, programs, or experiences that enhance Owen Sound’s offerings and attract non-resident visitors.

Eligible Projects

  • Guided forest therapy, foraging, or eco-tours
  • Nature or wellness-based retreats
  • New guided experiences or themed tours
  • Start-up of niche businesses (e.g. glamping, culinary, adventure)
  • Artist residencies with visitor access

Eligibility

  • Must be aligned with tourism growth and visitor appeal
  • Must comply with all regulatory requirements

Funding Details

  • Max Funding: $30,000
  • Match: Encouraged (25% minimum for business expansions)
  • Use of Funds: 80% product/experience development, 20% marketing
  • Project Term: Short-, Medium-, or Long-Term

Marketing

Innovative and strategic marketing initiatives that increase tourism visitation to Owen Sound through campaigns, storytelling, and digital media.

Eligible Projects

  • Seasonal or thematic campaigns
  • Video or content series promoting experiences
  • Social and digital advertising
  • Campaigns targeting high-impact audiences

Eligibility

  • Must promote a tourism-driven experience
  • Must include KPIs and target market details
  • Must promote Owen Sound

Funding Details

  • Max Funding: $10,000
  • Match: Not required but encouraged
  • Use of Funds: 100% marketing and promotion
  • Project Term: Short-Term (0–12 months)

Partnership Marketing

Collaborative promotional efforts between tourism operators that amplify reach, share resources, and highlight unique experiences or themes.

Eligible Projects

  • Multi-partner destination marketing campaigns
  • Shared branding or cross-promotion initiatives
  • Joint influencer or media projects
  • Co-hosted experience launches or itineraries

Eligibility

  • Must involve at least two tourism operators
  • Must clearly outline roles and resource sharing
  • Must demonstrate added value through partnership

Funding Details

  • Max Funding: $10,000
  • Match: Encouraged
  • Use of Funds: 100% for collaborative promotion and materials
  • Project Term: Short-Term

Tourism Capital Enhancement

Physical infrastructure projects that improve visitor experience, accessibility, navigation, or aesthetics across tourism-related sites.

Eligible Projects

  • Trail restoration with signage
  • Washroom or accessibility upgrades
  • Outdoor seating, picnic areas, and gathering spaces
  • Wayfinding signage or digital kiosks

Eligibility

  • Must promote Owen Sound
  • Must serve or enhance the tourism experience
  • Must include a long-term maintenance and impact plan

Funding Details

  • Max Funding: Based on approval from committee
  • Match: 25% encouraged
  • Use of Funds: 100% for capital costs
  • Project Term: Medium- or Long-Term preferred

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