2025/26 Partnership Funding Program

RTO8’s focus is to help businesses build their capacity to be successful at growing the visitor economy within the region which in turn, creates vibrant communities and compelling destinations.  Each year, RTO8 works hand-in-hand with tourism partners dedicated to growing the visitor economy.

The Partnership Fund is not a grant program or a year-over-year funding program.  The 2025/26 program is seeking applications focused on increasing overnight visitation, enhancing skills, attracting new investment and building digital capacity.

Who is eligible to apply?

• For Profit tourism businesses (incorporated OR with an active CRA business number).
• First Nations tourism businesses (51%+ Indigenous owned and controlled operating within the RTO8 geographic region).
• Professional / Equity Performance Theatre (with ticketed sales) Note: venues and community theatre are not eligible for this year’s program.
• Chambers of Commerce, BIA’s, Small Business Centres, Workforce Development Boards (skills-based training / educational workshops only).
• Municipalities / DMO’s (community or strategic development plans, tourism information kiosks, digital portfolio development for the purpose of investment attraction).

Projects applying for funding must take place between May 1, 2025 and February 1, 2026.

Applications will be accepted between March 3 and March 31, 2025 4:30pm EST. All received applications will be assessed following March 31, 2025.  Notifications will be sent to applicants mid-April.