Here are some opportunities for eligible businesses to take advantage of for support and expertise and to learn new skills.


Tourism Funding, Programs, and Resources from the Government of BC

The provincial government has compiled a list of funding sources, programs, and resources applicable to BC's tourism industry members, which can be accessed here. 

Some of the funding sources accessible through the website include the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund, Tourism Events Program, and B.C. Climate Resiliency Initiative.


Canada Summer Jobs Program

The Canada Summer Jobs program is a federal initiative to provide eligible small businesses, non-profits, and other employers with funding to hire youth aged 15-30 for summer work experience. Applications for the program must be received or date stamped by December 19, 2024. 


Propel Student Work Placement Program

Propel is a work placement program designed specifically for the tourism and hospitality sector to work with post-secondary students as they prepare for careers in the industry. The program was created by Tourism HR Canada and is funded by the Government of Canada's Student Work Placement Program; it allows eligible employers to hire qualifying students, who, in turn, receive a wage subsidy. 

Register through Zoom to join Tourism HR Canada at 10 a.m. PT on December 19 for a one-hour information session to learn more about Propel. 


Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy

Destination BC (DBC) offers numerous free learning resources for tourism-based businesses, including the Tourism Digital Academy, designed for business owners or marketing team members looking to build their digital marketing knowledge and skills to an intermediate level. 

There are now two winter intakes running for 2025:

  • January 21 - March 12, 2025
  • January 26 - March 19, 2025

Applications can be submitted now on the DBC website—the program has filled up quickly in the past, and space is limited. 

For questions about the program, email Beth.Sangara@DestinationBC.ca. Additional resources for tourism businesses are also available through DBC's Learning Centre. 


Small Business BC (SBBC) Education

SBBC's ongoing live webinars offer helpful information for entrepreneurs and small businesses in all industries, including tourism. Sessions cover a wide range of topics, with past webinars covering how to create a website, how to choose the right apps for your business, and how to create engaging video content with your phone. A list of upcoming webinars can be found on the SBBC website.

Thanks to a partnership between DBC and SBBC, BC-based tourism industry members can access these business education resources free of charge—learn more on DBC's website. 


OKGN Angel Summit

Accelerate Okanagan’s OKGN Angel Summit is set to take place in spring 2025. The 8-week program is designed to train startup entrepreneurs and accredited investors in the capital-raising process. During the program, participating Western Canadian businesses and Okanagan-based investors will go through a structured process culminating in a public pitch event by the chosen finalists; the winner is awarded an investment, typically around $200,000.

Applications will open in the new year. Those interested in participating can learn more here.