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. 

Operations Implementation Program (OIP)

The Operations Implementation Program (OIP) is designed to support tourism stakeholders in BruceGreySimcoe by matching their operational and/or capital expenses with a $1,000, agency-supported social media advertising campaign. Eligible expenses such as property taxes, mortgage payments, capital renovations, and inventory costs, are leveraged to enhance marketing efforts through targeted social media ads designed to increase visibility and attract visitors. 

Key Benefits of the Program

• Social Media Advertising Support: Eligible participants receive a professional $1,000 advertising campaign on Facebook and Instagram, managed by RTO7’s Agency of Record (The Aber Group).
• Financial Leverage: Operational and/or capital expenses such as property taxes, mortgage payments, or inventory costs are matched with marketing dollars.
• Full-Coverage Campaign: RTO7 handles all agency fees, HST, and media spend—there’s no direct cost to you (except in unique cases where there may be an administrative fee).
• Expert Guidance: Access to RTO7 staff support, Basecamp project tracking, and final campaign reporting.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to tourism operators, event organizers, and other eligible organizations 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.
• Your social media platforms must be active, and your website must be mobile-friendly and up-to-date.
• You have current collateral including high-resolution images and/or videos (60 seconds or less) that can be used in a social media campaign. See Resource Guide for ‘Best Practices’. 
• Liability insurance coverage of at least $2,000,000 is required.

Additional considerations include having a landing page consistent with what is portrayed in the campaign, an active Google Business Profile, and completion of a Typsy online training course by March 31, 2026. 

Please review the Operations Implementation Program Guidelines BEFORE starting your application for full program details and requirements. 

Application Process

1. Please contact Kim Clarke (kclarke@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 program guidelines, the application, and review RTO7's sustainable tourism goals.
4. Complete and submit your application (before 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 Confirmation Letter 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.
• Applicants promoting events should allow at least 7–8 weeks’ lead time for campaign preparation and execution.
• All other campaigns (non-events) will take approximately 3-4 weeks to plan and launch.
• RTO7 also offers Partnership Programs for marketing and asset development. If you have cash to contribute, the Social Media Advertising Partnership Program may be a better fit—learn more at RTO7.ca.

Ready to start your Application? 

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

Applications must be received before the deadline of Friday, February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST!

Questions?

For further assistance, contact Kim Clarke at kclarke@rto7.ca or Robyn Hewitt at rhewitt@rto7.ca.  

Frequently Asked Questions



2024/25 Operations Implementation Program Campaigns

• Studio Seed Inc.
• Upwards Art Studio
• Owen Sound Community Artists Studio Tour 
• Southampton Inn
• Four Winds Music Festival
• Port Elgin Farmer's Market
• Creemore Farmer's & Craft Market
• Rural Gardens of Grey Bruce
• Goldsmiths Farm Market & Bakery
• South Grey Chamber of Commerce - Hopeville Kite Festival
• Studio 79 Presents MonkeyJunk
• Georgian Bay Symphony Movie Madness
• Georgian Bay Symphony Spring into April
• Victoria Yeh at Meaford Hall
• Wasaga Adventure Park
• Christmas on the Bay
• Relive Retreat
• Eco Adventures
• Matilda Swanson Art Gallery

2023/24 Operations Implementation Program Campaigns

• Essentially Lavender - Picnic in the Fields
• Big Canoe Project
• Red Hen Artisanale
• Travelling Chicken
• South Bay Fields
• Bruce County Bookstore
• Mill Pond Gallery
• Mill Pond Cafe
• Collingwood Music Festival
• Shipyard Kitchen Party
• Folmer Landscaping & Garden Centre
• Gussapolooza
• Cobble Beach
• Lighthouse Blues Fest
• Southampton Inn
• Midland Food Tours
• Tyrolean Village Resorts
• Cafe KittyHawk
• Morrison Pumpkin Farm
• Christmas on the Bay Meaford
• Craigleith Manor Boutique Bed & Breakfast
• Maggie + Dix Home and Garden
• NVCA - Festival at Fort Willow
• Four Winds Music Festival
• Boho Beaver
• Tamarac Island Inn & Motel
• Sweetwater Festival
• OSRD - Holiday Magic
• Ty The Poetess - Hororing the Crown, 1 Year Down
• Orillia Fairgrounds Farmer's Market - Winter Markets
• NVCA - Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival
• Horseshoe Resort - Horseshoe Pride Week
• Fern Resort