Ottawa Tourism – Destination Development Fund
Description:
Ottawa Tourism’s Destination Development Fund assists tourism businesses and organizations in developing quality tourism products and experiences that encourage the competitiveness of its tourism sector, stimulate increased destination visitation and visitor spend, and encourage private sector tourism investment in Ottawa.
Comments on Funding:
Funding is up to a maximum of 50% of eligible project expenses.
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants must belong to one of the following groups:
Who is not eligible:
Priority consideration will be given to projects and initiatives that sit within the following areas:
Applications Steps:
Pre-Application Phase: Applicants interested in applying for the Destination Development Fund must first reach out to Ottawa Tourism (via Traci Despatis, Manager, Cultural Tourism Development, Destination Development at tdespatis@ottawatourism.ca) for guidance and eligibility assessment. Only upon written confirmation by Ottawa Tourism will the applicant be advised to proceed with Phase 1.
Documentation Needed:
If selected to proceed to Phase 1 by Ottawa Tourism, the applicant will be asked to provide a Statement of Intent containing the following information:
- Confirm that the applicant’s project is located in the City of Ottawa;
- A brief overview of the organization, its mandate, membership structure (if applicable) and
any related/affiliated parties; - Demonstrate a track record of operation;
- A summary of the proposed project, its anticipated impacts on the destination, and
its impacts in relation to Ottawa Tourism Destination Development Fund program objectives; - A summary of the proposed costs and financing (including status of financing).
Please note that in most cases, the applicant is also expected to provide a percentage of the
financing for the proposed project; - Demonstrate the capacity to undertake the proposed project;
- Describe the project’s key risks and mitigation strategies;
- Demonstrate the need for Destination Development Fund support and its incremental impact
on the project in terms of scope, location, and timing; and - Contact information, including:
a) legal business name, common/operating business name;
b) business address; and
c) name, telephone number, and email address of primary contact.
If selected to proceed to Phase 2 by Ottawa Tourism, the applicant will be asked to provide a full application (via provided Application Form) containing additional detail and substantiation of the Phase I information, including:
- Validation/evidence of the proposed opportunity and its projected impacts;
- Financial projections and underlying assumptions;
- A full project description, implementation plan and schedule;
- Project business plan, including forecasted cost and revenue estimates;
- Proof of ownership/control of any assets required for the project (intellectual property, land/building for example);
- Analysis of key project risks and mitigation strategies;
- Compliance with all relevant statutes, regulations and other funding agreements; and
- Other information as required.
Other Things to Note:
Applications for the Destination Development Fund are accepted year-round, with the exception of Festivals and Events which have set intake periods each year and Cultural attractions.
Program Contact:
When It Ends:
Ongoing
Deadline:
Rolling deadline