RTO7’s Partnership Program for 2026/27 depends on approval of our annual Business Plan by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Gaming. 

Applications for the RTO7 Partnership Program will open on February 2, 2026. Please note that we have moved to a single application intake per fiscal year. RTO7 may limit the number of projects funded per stakeholder per year. 

To stay informed, subscribe to the RTO7 tourism industry e-newsletter.

RTO7 Partnership Program

The 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 & Social Media Advertising: Run targeted ad campaigns with professional agency management.
• 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.
• *NEW* Technology Review & Implementation (Tech Compass): A guided review of your current technology, with tailored software recommendations and a clear action plan.
• 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 (coming soon). 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. Schedule a call with Alex here. 
2. Applications will be open from February 2, 2026, until February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. 
3. Before applying, read the entire application, program guidelines (coming soon), and review RTO7's sustainable tourism goals.
4. Complete and submit your application (by February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST)
5. If your project is approved (notifications will be sent out by early April), 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, 2027.
• 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 (coming soon), you are ready to complete your application. 



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

Application Links (coming soon):

• Social Media Advertising
• Digital & Social Media Advertising
• Video/Image Development
• Storytelling
• Experience Development
• Tourism Wayfinding Signage
• Technology Review & Implementation (Tech Compass)
• Trade Show Booth Space Reimbursement
• French Translation