Tourism Digital Assistance Program
NS, Canada
Funding for digital marketing in Nova Scotia
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Tourism Nova Scotia
- Government of Nova Scotia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $5,000 in consultant services from a qualified digital expert to help eligible tourism businesses increase their visibility online and apply effective digital marketing or e-commerce tools.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically tailored for businesses and organizations based in Nova Scotia. The program aims to support entities throughout various regions in the province to enhance their digital presence.
- Tourism businesses located throughout Nova Scotia.
- Organizations operating within the provincial boundaries of Nova Scotia.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$5,000
Digital marketing campaign for a social enterprise focused on eco-tourism
$5,000
SEO improvements for a local B&B's website to increase online visibility
$5,000
Design and creation of a new website for a local historical museum
$5,000
Photography and videography services for a luxury resort's promotional campaign
$5,000
Development of a user-friendly booking system for an adventure tour company
$5,000
Social media management for a guided city tour company
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the nature of the business and its readiness to enhance its digital presence.
- The business or organization must be listed on NovaScotia.com or apply for a listing within 7 days of submitting an application.
- They must be currently open or plan to be open within the year.
- They must demonstrate a need to update a component of their online presence and implement identified goals before March 31, 2025.
- They must be in good standing with the provincial Registry of Joint Stock Companies, with roofed accommodations registered with the province's Tourist Accommodations Registry.
- Priority is given to businesses primarily focused on attracting and servicing visitors.
- Priority is also given to applicants demonstrating a clearly defined digital need and commitment to enhancing their online presence.
- First-time applicants are prioritized.
- Businesses owned or operated by equity-seeking groups, such as Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities, are given preference.
- Applicants with overdue program reporting or deliverables with DNS or TNS are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program is open to tourism businesses and organizations operating in Nova Scotia who wish to enhance their digital presence. Eligibility encompasses the following:1. NovaScotia.com Listing: Applicants must be listed on NovaScotia.com or must apply for the listing within seven days of submitting their TDAP application.2. Operational Status: Businesses should currently be open or have plans to operate during the program year.3. Digital Needs: Applicants must demonstrate a need to update or enhance their online presence with clearly defined goals that they intend to implement before March 31, 2025.4. Good Standing: The business or organization must be in good standing with the Nova Scotia Provincial Registry of Joint Stock Companies. Any roofed accommodation entities must also be registered with the province's Tourist Accommodations Registry.Priority is given to:- Businesses primarily focused on attracting and servicing visitors.- Applicants who exhibit a clearly defined digital need and are committed to improving their online presence.- First-time applicants.Additionally, applications from businesses and organizations owned or operated by equity-seeking groups, such as Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities, are prioritized as part of the program's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). Applicants with overdue deliverables from previous programs with DNS or TNS are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are certain restrictions on who can apply for this grant, prioritizing applicants aligned with the program's objectives and compliance requirements. Businesses that do not meet these criteria will not be eligible.
- Businesses not listed on NovaScotia.com or not applying for a listing within seven days of application submission.
- Businesses not currently open or with no plans to operate this year.
- Companies not in good standing with the provincial Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
- Roofed accommodations not registered with the province's Tourist Accommodations Registry.
- Applicants with overdue program reporting/deliverables with DNS or TNS.
- Businesses not focused on attracting and servicing visitors.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program aims to pair tourism businesses in Nova Scotia with digital consultants to enhance various aspects of their digital presence. The eligible projects focus on increasing online visibility and effectiveness through various digital tools and services.
- Ecommerce system development to facilitate online sales.
- Online booking system integration to streamline reservations.
- Website design and development including AI-powered chatbot and automation systems.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to increase online search visibility.
- Data analytics services to better understand and leverage data-driven insights.
- Digital marketing strategies to broaden audience reach.
- Social media strategy enhancement to improve engagement and brand presence.
- Copywriting services for compelling digital content creation.
- Audio and podcast services to diversify marketing channels.
- Branding and design services for a consistent and professional look.
- Photography and/or videography to address content gaps and enhance visual media.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers eligible expenses for digital consultancy services to enhance the digital presence of tourism businesses.
- Up to $1,000 for digital ad spends.
- Up to $2,500 for photography or videography services.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant involve prioritizing certain objectives to ensure the program benefits eligible candidates effectively, although specific point scores are not disclosed.
- Priority given to businesses and organizations whose primary focus is attracting and servicing visitors.
- Applicants must demonstrate a clearly defined digital need and a commitment to enhancing their online presence.
- First-time applicants receive priority.
- Applications from businesses owned or operated by equity-seeking groups, or focusing on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, are prioritized.
- Past participants must articulate how additional services will build on previously completed work through the program.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Eligibility
- Ensure your business or organization meets the program's eligibility requirements.
- Confirm eligibility to be listed on NovaScotia.com, or apply for a listing within 7 days of submitting your application.
- Verify that your business is in good standing with the provincial Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Application
- Identify your digital challenges and opportunities that need addressing.
- Outline goals and outcomes for improving your online presence.
- Gather any required documentation or information necessary for the application process.
- Step 3: Complete Online Application
- Visit the Digital Nova Scotia website to access the online application form.
- Fill out the application form providing detailed explanations of your digital needs and proposed outcomes.
- Ensure all sections of the application are completed accurately before submission.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application online by the deadline: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 4 p.m. (ADT).
- Check for on-screen confirmation and an email receipt of your submission.
- Contact TDAP@digitalnovascotia.com if you do not receive a confirmation email.
- Step 5: Follow-Up
- Await notification of the decision by the program panel after application evaluation.
- Request advice on the outcome of your application if needed, after formal decisions are communicated.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for the Tourism Digital Assistance Program:
- The final edited photos and/or videos created through this program will be owned by Tourism Nova Scotia (TNS) and shared with participants for marketing use.
- Participants are required to complete an end-of-project report within the required timelines.
- An orientation session is mandatory for approved participants at the start of the project.
- The program encourages advancement of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA), prioritizing applications from businesses owned or operated by equity-seeking groups.
grant_single_labels|contact
tdap@digitalnovascotia.com
902-717-3425
Apply to this program
Enhance Your Tourism Business's Digital Presence
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP) connects tourism businesses in Nova Scotia with digital consultants to tackle specific digital challenges and improve their online marketing strategies for the 2024/2025 period. This initiative, supported by Tourism Nova Scotia and Digital Nova Scotia, aims to bolster tourism enterprises by equipping them with advanced digital tools and services valued up to $5,000 to enhance customer engagement and business visibility.
Detailed Overview of the Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP)
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP) is a strategic initiative designed to support tourism businesses in Nova Scotia by bridging gaps in digital capabilities, crucial for attracting and servicing visitors in the increasingly digital-focused travel industry. By providing up to $5,000 in digital consulting services, the program empowers participants to identify and resolve digital deficiencies, thus enabling them to develop a more competitive online presence. This assistance can cover a broad range of digital services including ecommerce solutions, online booking systems, website design and development incorporating AI chatbots and automations, search engine optimization (SEO), data analytics, digital marketing, social media management, copywriting, audio and podcast production, branding and design, as well as addressing visual content gaps through professional photography and videography.
The program requires applicants to articulate their digital challenges and aspirations through an online application, after which they are paired with a qualified consultant matching their needs. It emphasizes the importance of a robust digital strategy, given that a significant majority of travelers begin their trip-planning online, highlighting the necessity for businesses to offer seamless online experiences, from booking to customer interaction. By improving their digital footprint, businesses not only expand their reach but also reinforce their brand credibility and foster a more engaged customer base.
Participants in the TDAP may direct up to $1,000 of the provided funding towards digital advertising efforts and up to $2,500 towards acquiring professional photo or video content. The remaining budget can be utilized for other consultancy services based on the specific needs outlined in their application. The initiative ensures a comprehensive enhancement of a business's digital landscape, promoting not just immediate improvements but also laying a foundation for sustained digital engagement and growth.
Projects typically kick-off in late spring to fall, aligned with the business's preferences, and must be concluded by March 31, 2025. Approved participants are required to enter into a Letter of Agreement with Digital Nova Scotia, maintaining active communication and fulfilling tasks in collaboration with their assigned consultants. This reflects a commitment to transforming their digital presence and successfully implementing the program's objectives.
Furthermore, the program prioritizes applications from enterprises that are first-time participants and those with clearly identified digital needs. Emphasizing equity and diversity, TDAP also supports businesses spearheaded by equity-seeking groups, such as Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities, fostering inclusivity and broader representation within the tourism sector.
This program not only aids in overcoming current digital inadequacies but also primes businesses for future opportunities, ensuring they remain competitive and capable of meeting the evolving expectations of digital-savvy travelers. By participating, tourism businesses in Nova Scotia can significantly enhance their digital capabilities, consequently increasing their visibility, customer base, and operational efficiency in the digital realm.
