RTO4’s Partnership Program is a co-investment initiative designed to foster tourism across our region, which includes Huron, Perth, and Wellington Counties as well as Waterloo Region.
The program offers funding streams tailored to support businesses and organizations that are part of the tourism ecosystem – such as attractions, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), BIAs, festivals, events, trail organizations, restaurants, and accommodations. To be eligible for funding, applicants must demonstrate that their business or project attracts visitors from at least 40 km away and that their proposed initiative will contribute to drawing more visitors or enhancing their experiences in a meaningful way.
We are looking for sound and innovative ideas supported by a strong case for investment and a clear demonstration of need. Equally important is the confirmation that no conflicts of interest are present in relation to the proposed project.
This Spring there are five streams open:
- Accessibility Consulting – Application Form
- Non-traditional Art in Destination Storytelling – Application Form
- Importance of Tourism – Application Form
- Signage and Wayfinding – Application Form
- Indigenous Signage and Related Research – Application Form
For more information, please review the Application Guide.
Join us for a webinar on the 2025–2026 Partnership Program on Tuesday, June 17 at 12:00 PM. We’ll provide an overview of the program streams, application process, and key timelines, followed by a Q&A session. Please register using this link.
** Please download a copy of the Budget Template to fill in as part of your application submission.
It is highly recommended to book a meeting with Andrea to discuss your application prior to submission.
Applications close Monday, June 30th at 5:00PM.