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  • 2026 Events & Experiences Micro-Grant Fund

2026 Micro-Grant Fund

Events & Experiences Program

The 2026 Events & Experiences Micro-Grant Fund is administered by the Alberni Valley Tourism Association (AVTA). The program supports tourism-driven events and new visitor experiences that attract visitors from outside the Alberni Valley and contribute to overnight visitation.

Total Allocation: $10,000 | Maximum Grant: $2,500 per applicant

Download Program Guidelines Download Application Form

In the event of any discrepancy, the official Program Guidelines document will govern.

Program Overview

The fund supports the creation and enhancement of one‑time events and new tourism experiences designed to generate overnight stays and strengthen the Alberni Valley as a preferred multi‑night destination.

  • Increase overnight visitation and length of stay
  • Support seasonal dispersion (Spring, Fall, Winter)
  • Encourage new visitor demographics and product sectors
  • Support sustainable practices and meaningful engagement with local First Nations communities

Program Goals

  • Increase economic and social benefits of tourism
  • Encourage collaboration among tourism stakeholders
  • Ensure tourism contributes positively to the region’s well‑being

Who Can Apply

Eligible Applicants

  • Tourism-related businesses
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Indigenous organizations

Requirements:

  • Attract visitors from outside the Alberni Valley
  • Be a one-time event or new experience offering
  • Demonstrate financial sustainability beyond AVTA funding
  • Ensure event performance metrics are in place
  • Maintain required licenses and regulatory compliance

Not Eligible

  • Extended or full-season events
  • Existing daily offerings or regular services
  • Events primarily targeting local residents
  • Fundraising events

Eligible Marketing Activities

Eligible uses include:

  • Paid social media, search engine, and digital advertising
  • Print, radio, or television advertising
  • Marketing collateral (posters, brochures, rack cards, maps, promotional materials)
  • Photography, video, and written content development
  • Event website or landing page development
  • Consumer shows and travel media relations
  • New logo design or event rebranding

AVTA In‑Kind Support

  • Promotion through AVTA social media channels
  • Feature inclusion in AVTA consumer newsletter
  • Event listing on albernivalleytourism.com

Funding may not be used for:

  • General administrative costs and staff wages
  • Event production costs (venue, performers, decor, catering)
  • In-region marketing
  • Capital purchases or equipment
  • Strategic planning unrelated to the event
  • Application submission costs
  • Travel and accommodation costs, except for approved consumer trade shows
  • Costs incurred prior to funding approval

2026 Intake Windows

Applications are accepted through structured intake periods:

Early / Priority Intake

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Review Period: March 2–6, 2026

Intended for late-winter and early-spring initiatives or projects requiring early funding approval.

Primary Intake

Application Deadline: March 13, 2026
Review Period: March 16–20, 2026

This is the primary intake window intended to cover the majority of annual events and experiences.

Contingency Intake

Deadline: First Wednesday of September 2026
Review Period: September 7–11, 2026

This intake will only open if funds remain available.

All approved funding must be spent by December 31, 2026.

Funding Terms and Requirements

Funding Conditions

Approved applicants must:

  • Sign a Funding Agreement
  • Minimum $2,000,000 liability insurance
  • AVTA logo recognition on promotional materials
  • Link to albernivalleytourism.com
  • Use of #ExplorePortAlberni and tagging AVTA
  • Provision of logo and promotional assets
  • Grant funding may be contingent upon agreement compliance and fund availability

Reporting Requirements

Recipients must:

  • Submission of eligible marketing receipts
  • Final report within 45 days of event completion
  • Reporting on visitor origin, overnight stays, and performance metrics
  • Return of unspent or ineligible funds

How to Apply

  1. Review the Program Guidelines.
  2. Complete the Micro‑Grant Application Form.
  3. Include the Sustainable Development Goals Contribution Template.
  4. Submit your application electronically.

Applications must be emailed to email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Program GuidelinesApplication Form

Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt. Funding decisions will be issued within three weeks of the intake review period.

Questions?

Please direct all program-related questions to the AVTA Micro-Grant Program coordinator.

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