Innovation Fund

• Purchase costs for equipment: Use the funds to buy equipment (restrictions may apply, see ineligible expenses for more details) that offers new visitor activities not currently available or enhances the existing offerings and visitor experience. 
• Specialized equipment for a diverse market: Invest in specialized equipment that enables your organization to cater to a broader range of people, including those with different physical abilities. 
• Seasonal temporary or movable structures: Improve visitor comfort and enhance their experience with the funds by setting up temporary structures that can be moved around during different seasons. 
• Permits and licensing expenses: Cover the costs of permits and licenses needed to expand the variety of activities or experiences you provide. 
• Testing new experiences: Use the funds to pilot and try out new experiences to see how visitors respond. 
• Developing interpretive programs: Allocate the funds towards the development of interpretive programs that enhance or create new tourism experiences. 
• Content development: Create engaging content through photography, videos, and written materials. 

• Routine upgrades, maintenance, or adhering to regulations for existing facilities. 
• Purchasing or leasing land. 
• Licensed motorized vehicles. 
• Costs associated with replacing, repairing, or upgrading equipment. 
• Office furnishings, decorations, or equipment such as computers, copiers, and phones. 
• Highway, business, or community signage. 
• Construction, expansion, or enhancements of community recreation facilities. 
• Standalone bathroom construction or renovation. 
• Conference, wedding, and event centers. 
• Campground upgrades or expansions to add sites, services, or additional buildings like washrooms. 
• Construction or expansion of major hotel developments (with over 100 rooms). 
• Ongoing operating costs including administration, staff salaries, administrative expenses, and maintenance. 
• Legal, insurance, audit, or banking interest fees. 
• Costs related to working capital, debt service, operating losses, capital losses, or capital redemption. 
• Road construction, such as paved or gravel access roads. 
• Consultants or contractors for grant administration. 
• Agency or other management fees.
• GST/HST. 

Travel Alberta has the last say on what expenses are not eligible, even if they're not mentioned here. 

• A business plan for your company is required.
• All anticipated expenses must be incurred between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. These expenses must be paid to a trusted third party and you must keep records of them in the financial report. 
• Last two years of financial statements including an income statement and balance sheet. 
• Proof of liability insurance. 
• Municipal land use bylaw requirements met, if applicable. 
• Development permits obtained, if applicable. 

• Revenue generation
• Job creation
• Visitation (domestic and international)

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) for funding: If you want financial support for your project, the first thing you need to do is submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Industry Hub. 
2. EOI period: February 12 to March 1, 2024.
   • Please note, should there be significant interest, Travel Alberta reserves the right to close the EOI intake in advance of March 1, 2024. 
3. Next steps after EOI approval: A Travel Alberta Destination Development Manager will review your EOI and, if deemed eligible and competitive, they will send you the relevant application link form. If your EOI was not selected, you will receive an email. 
4. Receiving the application link: The application link is the next step in the grant application process. If you receive a link, you are now able to submit a formal application. This does not indicate that you are guaranteed funding from Travel Alberta. If you have any questions about this process, reach out to tourisminvestment@travelalberta.com. 
5. Application period: For those successful with their EOI submission, the application period will open in early March.  
6. Travel Alberta's authority: Travel Alberta has the final say in managing funding requests. We might say no to projects that don't meet the requirements or if we received too many requests to fund. 
7. Investment decision timing: The investment decisions for the intake period will be made in spring 2024. 
8. Funding approval process: If Travel Alberta approves your funding request, we will send you a Travel Alberta Grant Agreement.  
9. Delivery of funds: Once your project is approved and we have received all the necessary documents, the money will be sent to you through an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). This means the money will go directly into your bank account electronically. 
10. Applicant’s reporting commitments: Successful applicants will be required to report results to Travel Alberta, as identified in the agreement.  

Tip: Take your time as you prepare your application. Ensure it’s complete and you meet all the requirements.