Tourism Product Development Fund 2025–2026

(formerly the Charlottetown Ignition Fund)

For projects between Oct 1 – April 30, 2026 * some exceptions may apply.

Put your thinking caps on (again). It’s time to get creative, and we’ll help pay.

Our first few rounds of the Charlottetown Ignition Fund were so successful that our funding partners expanded the model Island-wide. Now called the Multi-Season Tourism Product Development Fund, we’re excited to be back with another round of support to help grow Charlottetown’s offerings, particularly in the shoulder season.

Through this fund, Discover Charlottetown aims to continue building out Charlottetown’s year-round tourism product by supporting creative new ideas in partnership with private operators. With increased financial pressures on many businesses, this is a timely opportunity to develop something fresh, unique, and beneficial to both visitors and locals, especially in the off-peak season.

This fund is designed to spark innovation and help operators try something they wouldn’t normally do. It is not intended to fund regular or ongoing programming that is already part of your core business, such as weekly entertainment, seasonal series, or events you would be doing anyway.

The original purpose of the fund was to support private operators who often don’t have access to public funding. Projects that are already receiving funding from other levels of government are not eligible. The funding must support something new, collaborative, and different.

Each business is eligible to receive a maximum of one Micro-Grant and one Ignition Fund contribution. No money will be released until the project is complete and photos and a short final report have been submitted.

Objectives

The hope continues to be that increased programming, infrastructure, and Instagrammable moments will help:
• Give locals and visitors more reasons to visit Charlottetown
• Support restaurants, accommodations, retailers, and experience providers in slower months
• Help operators retain staff longer into the season or year-round
• Build Charlottetown’s shoulder season identity beyond the peak summer months
• Encourage long-term additions to the city’s tourism offerings
• Provide unique, photo-friendly content for social sharing
• Reduce the risk of piloting new ideas

Who’s eligible to apply
• Island-owned and operated tourism businesses
• Current Discover Charlottetown partners in good standing (no outstanding balances)
• Projects must not already receive support from other government programs

Priority will be given to proposals that:
• Extend the tourism season
• Have potential to become annual or ongoing
• Partner with other operators to create a stronger, clustered offering

Grant distribution
• Maximum funding available per approved project is $7,500
• Operators must contribute at least 15 percent of the total project cost
• All projects must be completed by April 30, 2026
• Only expenses incurred before that date will be considered eligible
• Only one Micro-Grant and one Ignition Fund will be awarded per business

If approved, what’s required
• Discover Charlottetown must be credited as a partner (e.g. “Presented in partnership with Discover Charlottetown”)
• If applicable, a Facebook event must be created and Discover Charlottetown added as a co-host
• A short final report and a few strong project photos must be submitted before funds are released
• All municipal, provincial, and federal laws must be followed
• Operators take on all financial risk for their project

Other notes
• Events can run over multiple days
• Collaboration is encouraged
• Projects that help define a season, theme, or neighbourhood are especially encouraged
• Projects should aim to grow your revenue through a new product, offering, or capacity

Apply Online Here

Please have the following information ready:
• Outline of the event, product, or infrastructure project
• Full project budget
• Timeline for implementation
• Explanation of how it will enhance shoulder season tourism and long-term growth
• Note that the same project cannot be submitted to other regions for funding

If you run into any issues with the online form, email [email protected] to request a fillable application.

Examples of past projects and ideas to inspire

Dining snow pods • Themed winter or spring festivals • Children’s theatre weekends • Fashion weekend • Retail trails or collaborative shopping events • Business-led art installations • Outdoor firepits and winter gathering spaces • Tourism packages that include added experiences • Local entertainment during quiet months • Equipment purchases that unlock new offerings (e.g. pottery kiln, e-foil boards)

Have questions or want help brainstorming?
Reach out to:

Heidi Zinn, Executive Director
Discover Charlottetown
902.629.1864
[email protected]

Apply Online Here