Indigenous Business Advisors
Highlights
Joining the Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) program is a fantastic opportunity for your business. As a member, you will gain access to a range of benefits designed to support and grow your business. Complimentary membership for 2023 means you can take advantage of these resources at no cost.
Key Benefits:
- Product Development: Access to programs and initiatives that help build and strengthen your tourism products.
- Workforce Development: Workshops and events to support your employees and build future capacity.
- Marketing & Branding: Promotion on a global scale and assistance with your own marketing efforts.
- Cultural Authenticity: Guidance to ensure your offerings are culturally authentic.
The program offers one-on-one consultation and mentoring from experienced business advisors, a bespoke booking platform to reduce fees, and assistance in sourcing and applying for funding opportunities. By joining, you will not only enhance your business but also contribute to the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario. The application process is simple, and once approved, you can start enjoying these benefits immediately.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- This grant does not require repayment. There are no interest rates associated with this financing.
Eligible Expenses:
- Product Development: Costs related to creating and improving tourism products.
- Workforce Development: Training and capacity-building expenses.
- Marketing & Branding: Expenses for promoting Indigenous tourism businesses.
- Cultural Authenticity: Initiatives ensuring the cultural integrity of tourism offerings.
Ineligible Expenses:
- The funds cannot be used for personal expenses.
- The funds cannot be used for activities unrelated to the tourism industry.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Must be a business, community, or organization with an interest in advancing Indigenous tourism in Ontario.
Must be 51% Indigenous-owned and controlled.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses not related to tourism.
- Businesses not located in Ontario.
- Businesses that are not 51% Indigenous-owned and controlled.
Description
This program offers your business complimentary membership to Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) for the year 2023. As a member, you gain access to valuable resources and support designed to help your business grow and thrive in the Indigenous tourism industry.
Key Benefits:
Product Development: Get help building and strengthening your tourism products. This includes one-on-one consultations with business advisors, access to a booking platform that reduces fees, and workshops to develop grassroots tourism initiatives.
Workforce Development: Support for your workforce through training workshops and networking events. These workshops cover service excellence, leadership, and coaching, available both in-person and online.
Marketing & Branding: Promote your business on a global scale. ITO helps market and brand your products, organizes events, and participates in trade shows to raise your business's profile.
Cultural Authenticity: Ensure your offerings are culturally authentic. ITO provides guidance through the Indigenous Cultural Integrity Advisory Committee to support respectful growth.
By joining ITO, you can leverage these resources to enhance your business, connect with industry professionals, and contribute to the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario.
Program Steps
Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the ITO website and fill out the membership application form.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the following documents to support your application:
- Proof of Indigenous ownership (e.g., business registration documents)
- Business plan or description of your tourism-related activities
- Any relevant certifications or licenses
Submit the Application: Upload the required documents and submit the completed application form online.
Review and Approval: ITO will review your application. This process may take some time, so please be patient.
Receive Confirmation: Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with details about your membership benefits.
Start Utilizing Membership Benefits: Begin accessing the various programs and initiatives offered by ITO to support and grow your business.
Renew Membership Automatically: Your membership will renew automatically each year. Contact ITO if you need to change your membership status.
