Start and Grow Your Business

The Destination Animation Strategic Co-Investment Project was first launched by The Township of Centre Wellington, Elora & Fergus Tourism, and Regional Tourism Organization Four (RTO4) in 2017. It has supported the launch of highly successful projects, creating unique experiences and elevating Elora & Fergus as a singular, lively destination.

After successfully running for 6 years, the project is adapting to the ever-evolving needs of the Tourism sector and the growth the destination has experienced in recent years. Elora & Fergus Tourism and RTO4 worked on a revised version of this project but the goals remain the same: to showcase the DNA of the region, creating unique experiences for residents and visitors alike.

The Winter Experience Development Program strives to amplify tourism opportunities beyond peak season, in line with the goal of creating an "Always ON", thriving destination.

Eligibility 

Applicants must be visitor-friendly organizations, located in Centre Wellington. Eligible organizations include:

• Tourism enterprises, businesses, and business associations (either as individual organizations or as a consortium)
• Festivals and events
• Not-for-profit community organizations

Eligible projects may be brand new or an enhancement and can be small or large in scale. Eligible projects can request funding to a maximum of $3,000. Projects need to be presented within Centre Wellington's municipal boundaries (*) (**) and take place any time between November 1 and March 30 of the following year.

(*) Projects may include pieces that extend beyond municipal boundaries, however, the focus of the project must remain in Centre Wellington.

(**) Projects can be designed for virtual space presentation. They must, however, still have a clear connection to Centre Wellington.

Ineligible Requests Include:

• Costs of land, building, or vehicle purchase;
• Costs of intangible assets such as goodwill, whether capitalized or expensed;
• Depreciation, amortization expenses, or refinancing;
• Interest on invested capital, bonds, debentures, or mortgages;
• Bond discounts, losses on investments, bad debts, and any other debts, fines, or penalties;
• Costs related to litigation;
• Non-incremental wages;
• Fees for administrators, including payments to any member or officer of the recipient's Board of Directors;
• Hospitality and entertainment costs;
• Costs of individual membership in a professional body (e.g., professional designations); and,
• Lobbyist fees.

Application Process and Deadlines

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project, questions, and eligibility before applying, using the contact information provided.

The application must be completed in its entirety. Applicants must keep in mind that failure to provide any requested information could affect the Selection Committee's final decision regarding the project.

Applications must be submitted online, no later than October 20, 2024, by clicking the application form link.

All applicants will go through a process of screening against the eligibility criteria. The Selection Committee will assess applications and agree upon a final shortlist for approval. Organizations are welcome to submit more than one application. Applicants can be notified to revise or clarify elements of their application to the Selection Committee, which will then re-assess the application.

Evaluation Criteria

• Must be presented between November 1 and March 30 period
• Must be a new or enhanced experience (not pre-existing)
• Provides a unique, authentic experience aligned with the destination's DNA: Natural Setting, Heritage, Arts & Culture
• Celebrates the region's authenticity, people, and place
• Includes elements of community engagement
• Incorporates sustainable and eco-friendly practices
• Demonstrates feasibility
• Appeals to both local residents and visitors
• Has the potential to attract out-of-town visitors
• Brings overall economic value to the region
• Demonstrates the ability to provide promotional and marketing support

Due Diligence

Before proceeding to funding, Elora & Fergus Tourism and RTO4 will undertake due diligence on the lead organizations. The due diligence assesses if potential applicants meet minimum criteria for:

• Governance, risk management, and internal controls
• Financial status, procurement, and financial management
• Programmatic capability and readiness to deliver

Funding

The partnership funding agreement will be firmed by the applicant organization and the funders. Once the project proposal has been approved, the lead organization will be provided with the funding template containing the standard terms and conditions. The agreement will also include the final agreed project proposal and budget and will specify the requirements for obtaining disbursements and progress reporting.

Successful applications' funding will be issued in two installments:

1. The first 50% is issued following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the funding organizations and the successful applicant.
2. The remaining 50% is issued following the completion of the selected project and submission of final reporting materials.

In case the organization fails to deliver any of the items stipulated in the MOU or fails to provide proof of incurred expenses, Elora & Fergus Tourism and RTO4 reserve the right to request the return of the funding amount in its entirety.

Evaluation Reporting

Organizations that receive funding are required to provide a Final Project Evaluation to Elora & Fergus Tourism and RTO4 no later than 60 days from the completion of the project. 

The Final Project Report form will be provided to successful applicants upon signature of the MOU.

The Winter Experience Development Program at a glance:

• For projects presented in Centre Wellington between November 1, 2014, and March 31, 2025
• Maximum request of $3,000
• Applications submitted online through the Application Form
• Deadline for applications: October 20, 2024
• Communication of results: October 25, 2024
• Successful applications' funding will be issued in tow installments
• Final Project Evaluation and all documentation to be submitted in the 60 days after the project's completion

Questions?

Feel free to email or call if you require any clarification:

Joao Carrolo - Elora & Fergus Tourism | Destination Development Coordinator 

Email | 519.846.9691 x380

Karen Mitchell - RTO4 | Senior Destination Project Manager

karen@rto4.ca | 519.271.7000 x102