Experience Ontario Program 2024 (Canada)

Program Objectives

• Experience Ontario 2024 supports in-person festivals or events in Ontario that will:
  • Offer programming that encourages people to travel, experience events in-person and celebrate Ontario.
  • Draw tourists and increase visitor spending through innovative programming in partnership with businesses and community partners.
  • Provide job opportunities for Ontarians in the tourism, culture, and entertainment sectors.
  • Increase Ontario’s profile through various media channels.

Funding Information

• The maximum funding amount for Experience Ontario 2024 is determined through a three-tier model based on your previous year’s actual festival or event cash expense total:
  • Tier 1 – Signature
    • Tourism festivals or events with total event cash expenses of $1 million or greater will be eligible for 50% of cash expenses up to a maximum of $125,000.
  • Tier 2 – Emerging
    • Tourism festivals or events with total event cash expenses between $250,000 and $999,999 will be eligible for up to 50% of eligible cash expenses up to a maximum $55,000.
  • Tier 3 – Community
    • Tourism festivals or events with total event cash expenses of less than $250,000 will be eligible for up to 50% of eligible cash expenses up to a maximum of $20,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications that do not meet the following eligibility requirements will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered. Incomplete applications are not eligible.
  • Eligible Organizations
    • Eligible applicants must be:
      • A legal entity, established by or under legislation; federally or provincially incorporated; First Nation in the province of Ontario.
      • An Indigenous community in Ontario, a regional or provincial organization, representing First Nation, Métis, Inuit or urban Indigenous peoples or an Indigenous service provider.
      • In existence since January 1, 2023 or before.
      • An operating business (e.g. business address, physical presence) in Ontario.
      • Not in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario.
      • Conducting business in Ontario and have a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applicant at a Canadian financial institution.
  • Ineligible Organizations
    • Sole proprietorships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships and general partnerships.
    • Federal or provincial governments and/or their agencies.

For more information, visit Government of Ontario.