Fund Your Project
Have a great tourism project in mind, but need the funding to get it started?
On this page, you will find information about financial assistance and grant programs that aim to help Cree entrepreneurs, organizations and communities turn their dreams into a reality.
We’re here to help! If you would like help navigating the many funding opportunities available, or want support completing your application, please reach out to Rob Imrie at rimrie@creetourism.ca or call (418) 745 2220 ext. 4231.
Entente de partenariat régional et de tranformations numérique en tourisme 2022-2025 (EPRTNT 2022-2025)
Tourism funding program from Eeyou Istchee Tourism, Tourisme Québec, and Société de développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ)
Are you a Cree individual, business, organization or community with a tourism project in mind?
If your project falls into one of the below categories and is eligible for EPRTNT Funding, up to 90% of your costs could be covered!
- Accommodation
- Attraction, Activities and Equipment
- Digital Development
- Festival and Event
- Studies and Consulting
- Structuration of the Regional Offer
To apply, please submit the EPRTNT 2022-2025 Application Form.
The current call for applications ends June 21, 2024.
For more information, contact Philippe Bilodeau, Product Development Officer at pbilodeau@creetourism.ca / 418-745-2220 ext. 4230.
Other Funding Opportunities
For support and information on funding options, contact Rob Imrie, Director of Development, at rimrie@creetourism.ca or call (418) 745 2220 ext. 4230.
Cree Nation Government - Department of Commerence and Industry
Through the Department of Commerce and Industry, the Cree Nation Government offers several programs which may support development in the tourism sector, including:
- Cree Social Economy Round Table Fund – Grants up to 75% of project costs (max. $25k) for not-for-profit businesses with a social or cultural component.
- Cree Entrepreneurship Assistance Fund – Grants up to 25% of project costs (max. $100k) for eligible startups, expansions, and acquisitions.
- Regional Development Fund – Grants up to $1M for large-scale projects that benefit multiple communities.
- Cree Real Estate Development Fund (CREED) – Grants up to 25% of project costs (max. $100k) for Cree entrepreneurs with businesses in construction, real estate, and related products and services
- Rurality Regions Fund (formerly FARR) – Funding for projects aligned with priorities set by CNG.
For more information and to apply for CNG funding programs, contact your Community Economic Development Officer.
Watch: COTA workshop on CNG Funding Opportunities, January 2024
Apatisiiwin Skills Development
- Youth Programs – Organizations can apply for subsidies to hire and train Cree youth through programs like the Youth Initiative, Summer Work Experience, and Mentored Work Placements. This is a great way to build your organizational capacity while providing Cree youth with valuable skills and experience!
- Capacity Building Programs – Organizations can apply for funding to cover professional development and training.
- Workforce Development Programs – Organizations can apply for funding in a variety of areas, including entrepreneurship, employing persons with disabilities, and research & development.
Contact your local ASD Office
Watch: COTA workshop on ASD Funding Opportunities, January 2024
Heritage Canada
The Government of Canada provides a variety funding programs that support culture, history and sport initiatives. Programs that may be of interest to organizations in the Eeyou Istchee tourism sector include:
- Celebrate Canada Program – Provides funding for activities organized on National Indigenous Peoples Day
- Commemorate Canada Program – Provides funding to initiatives that commemorate and celebrate historical figures, places, events, and accomplishments.
- Building Communities through Arts and Heritage – Supports local festivals, community anniversaries, and commemorative community capital projects.
- Listen, Hear our Voices – Supports First Nations governments and non-profit organizations in digitizing documentary heritage and/or building the skills, knowledge, and resources to do this work in their communities.
- Indigenous Heritage – Museums Assistance Program – Provides funding for projects related to the preservation, management and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada
You can find a full list of programs online here.
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (DEC)
CED supports projects targeting entrepreneurial growth, innovation, diversification and local economic development. Their funding programs include:
- Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)
- Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP)
- Community Futures Program (CFP)
If you have a question about the CED funding program, you can contact them here or reach out to us for more information.