2025/26 Partnership Program

RTO7’s offer of Programs for 2025/26 is contingent upon the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming’s approval of RTO7’s 2025/26 Business Plan. 

The 2025/26 RTO7 Partnership Program supports tourism stakeholders in BruceGreySimcoe by offering matched funding for projects that align with RTO7’s strategic plan. This is not a grant but a co-managed initiative designed to maximize regional resources and impact. 

Program Streams include:

• Video/Image Development: Create compelling visual content for marketing.
• Storytelling: Using engaging narratives to tell your unique story through qualified writers or influencers. 
• Digital Advertising: Run targeted ad campaigns with professional agency management.
• Social Media Advertising: Agency supported social media campaigns on Meta platforms. 
• Tourism Wayfinding Signage: Plan and install large-scale signage to improve navigation with RTO7 signage standards.
• Experience Development: Funds large-scale tourism projects, including product/experience development, research, and workforce initiatives to enhance regional tourism offerings.
• French Translation Services: Translate marketing materials of interest to French-speaking audiences. 
• Trade Show Support: Partial reimbursement of booth costs at relevant trade shows.

Key Benefits of the Program

• Cost-Effective Collaboration: Leverage matching funds to maximize your marketing and development budgets, helping you achieve more impact while sharing costs with RTO7. 
• Expert Support & Resources: Work with established industry professionals to enhance your projects with expert guidance, support and strategic alignment.
• Flexible Funding Streams: The program offers multiple streams to support a range of initiatives, including marketing, large-scale signage projects, workforce support, and product/experience development.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to established tourism operators, DMOs, tourism organizations, relevant associations/interest groups, municipalities, and tourism event organizers that meet the following criteria:

• Your operations must be in Bruce, Grey, or Simcoe counties.
• You must be legally registered in Ontario, hold valid permits, and have no unresolved legal issues.
• Capable of demonstrating financial and other capacity to execute the project in partnership.

Additional considerations are outlined in the Partnership Program Guidelines. For full program details, minimum investments, and requirements, please review the guidelines in full BEFORE starting your application. 

Application Process

1. Please contact Alex Hogan (ahogan@rto7.ca) before submitting to ensure the eligibility of your proposed idea.
2. Applications will be open from January 31, 2025, until February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. A second, potentially limited intake will be held later in the year only if funds are not fully allocated.
3. Before applying, read the entire application, program guidelines, and review RTO7's sustainable tourism goals.
4. Complete and submit your application (by February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST)
5. If your project is approved (notifications will be sent out by March 31, 2025), a Collaboration Agreement outlining timelines, performance measurement, etc., will be signed by you and RTO7.

Why Take Your Time?

The application process is competitive, and funds are limited. Thoughtfully planning your project ensures it aligns with RTO7’s strategic priorities and enhances your chances of approval. We will not be going back to applicants to request revisions and/or clarifications in the application stage. 

Additional Information

• All projects must be completed by March 31, 2026.
• RTO7 reserves the right to limit the number of programs/funds that one stakeholder may receive per year. 
• When completing your application, be sure to include HST in your figures.

Ready to start your Application? 

Once you have completed the above steps, including reviewing the Partnership Program Guidelines, you are ready to complete your application. 

Applications close on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST

If application – or links within application - do not appear onscreen upon clicking, please check your Downloads folder.

Application Links:

• Social Media Advertising
• Digital Advertising Program
• Video/Image Development
• Storytelling
• Experience Development
• Tourism Wayfinding Signage
• Trade Show Booth Space Reimbursement
• French Translation