How much funding can be received?

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.

Financing terms and conditions

This program offers a monetary support structure designed to assist tourism businesses in improving their digital presence. The aid is delivered through consultant services valued up to a specified amount, enhancing various digital marketing and e-commerce capabilities.

Consultant services are valued up to $5,000 per participant.
Includes expert support in digital tactics such as website development, search engine optimization, digital marketing, and more.

Eligible projects & activities

This program aims to enhance the digital capabilities of tourism businesses to improve their online presence. Eligible activities focus on developing and implementing various digital tools and tactics to increase visibility and customer engagement.

Website design and development.
Search engine optimization.
Digital marketing strategies.
Social media management.
Setup and management of online booking systems.
Audio and podcast service development.
Photography and videography for digital content.
E-commerce tool development.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility criteria of the Tourism Digital Assistance Program program

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to tourism businesses located in Nova Scotia, as it is developed in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia and Digital Nova Scotia. The program is focused on enhancing the online presence of businesses within the Nova Scotia region.

Businesses located in Nova Scotia.

Eligibility criteria of the Tourism Digital Assistance Program program

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.

How to apply to the Tourism Digital Assistance Program program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additional information

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.