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
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Tourism 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
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP) offers several services designed to enhance the digital capabilities of eligible tourism businesses in Nova Scotia. These services aim to improve online visibility and customer engagement.
- Photography and/or Videography to fill content gaps
- Website Design & Development, including AI Powered Chatbots and Automations
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Data Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media management
- Copywriting
- Audio & Podcast Services
- Branding & Design
- E-commerce solutions
- Online Booking systems
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$5,000
Toronto
Digital marketing campaign for a social enterprise focused on eco-tourism
$5,000
Halifax
SEO improvements for a local B&B's website to increase online visibility
$5,000
Victoria
Design and creation of a new website for a local historical museum
$5,000
Whistler
Photography and videography services for a luxury resort's promotional campaign
$5,000
Vancouver
Development of a user-friendly booking system for an adventure tour company
$5,000
Montreal
Social media management for a guided city tour company
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program has specific eligibility criteria for businesses and organizations. The criteria are as follows:
- Meet the requirements and be listed on NovaScotia.com or apply for a listing within 7 days of submitting an application.
- Currently or plan to be open this year.
- Demonstrate a need to update a component of their online presence and implement the identified goals and outcomes prior to March 31, 2025.
- Be in good standing with the provincial Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
- Roofed accommodations must be registered with the province's Tourist Accommodations Registry.
- Applicants with overdue program reporting/deliverables with DNS or TNS will not be eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible businesses and organizations must meet specific criteria to participate in the Tourism Digital Assistance Program provided by Tourism Nova Scotia and Digital Nova Scotia. The primary focus is on tourism-related businesses serving visitors in Nova Scotia, and priority is given to certain groups.
- Businesses and organizations whose primary focus is attracting and servicing visitors.
- Applicants that have a clearly defined digital need and a commitment to enhancing their online presence.
- First-time applicants to the program.
- Businesses owned or operated by equity-seeking groups, including Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program has specific eligibility requirements and may exclude certain businesses based on their status and primary activities. Here is a brief summary of the main restrictions:
- Businesses not listed on NovaScotia.com or those that do not apply for a listing within 7 days of submitting an application.
- Businesses that are ineligible to be listed on NovaScotia.com.
- Businesses not currently open or not planning to open within the year.
- Businesses 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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant offers funding for specific digital services, with eligible expenses including:
- Digital consultant services up to $5,000 (tax inclusive)
- Digital ad spends up to $1,000
- Photography or videography services up to $2,500
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible companies for this grant must be located in Nova Scotia, Canada, as it is specifically targeted at tourism businesses and organizations in this region. The program is offered in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia and Digital Nova Scotia.
- Nova Scotia, Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
Evaluation and selection criteria for projects under the Tourism Digital Assistance Program are as follows:
- Business or organization’s primary focus on attracting and servicing visitors.
- Applicant's clear definition of digital need and commitment to enhancing online presence.
- Priority for first-time applicants.
- Projects that support and build on previous work for past participants.
- Priority given to businesses and organizations owned or operated by equity-seeking groups or involving activities that enhance the voice of these communities, particularly Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian businesses.
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Meet the requirements to be listed on NovaScotia.com.
- Ensure your business is currently open or plans to be open this year.
- Confirm you are in good standing with the provincial Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
Step 2: Prepare Application
- Identify and outline digital challenges and opportunities for your business.
- Specify components of your online presence that need updating.
- Plan to implement identified goals and outcomes by March 31, 2025.
Step 3: Complete Online Application
- Fill out the online application form on Digital Nova Scotia's website.
- Apply for a listing on NovaScotia.com within 7 days of application submission if not already listed.
- Ensure the application is complete to be considered for scoring.
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application form online before the deadline on April 3, 2024, at 4 p.m. (ADT).
- Double-check for a confirmation message on the screen and an email copy of submission.
- Contact tdap@digitalnovascotia.com if confirmation is not received.
Step 5: Application Review and Scoring
- A panel from TNS and DNS reviews and scores the applications.
- Priority is given to first-time applicants and those with clearly defined digital needs.
- Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility will be considered during evaluation.
Step 6: Contract and Orientation (For Approved Applicants)
- Enter into a Letter of Agreement with DNS if approved.
- Commit to timely task completion and communication.
- Participate in an orientation session at the start of the project.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here is some additional information that could be beneficial for a grant applicant:
- The program emphasizes advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in Nova Scotia.
- Preferential treatment is given to businesses owned or operated by equity-seeking groups, such as Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotians.
- The program supports initiatives that amplify voices from underrepresented communities.
- Applicants with overdue deliverables from previous programs will be deemed ineligible.
- Successful applicants are required to draft an end-of-project report within specified timelines.
- Projects must be completed by March 31, 2025, ensuring alignment with program deadlines.
- An orientation session is held at the beginning of each project to align program goals and participant actions.
grant_single_labels|contact
tdap@digitalnovascotia.com
902-717-3425
Apply to this program
Tourism Digital Assistance Program 2024/2025 Overview
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP) in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia and Digital Nova Scotia, aims to elevate tourism businesses by enhancing their digital presence through expert consultancy services. Participants can access up to $5,000 in services to address key digital marketing needs and improve their online footprint to attract more visitors.
Comprehensive Guide to the Tourism Digital Assistance Program 2024/2025
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP) for the fiscal year 2024/2025 has been designed as a collaborative effort between Tourism Nova Scotia (TNS) and Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) to support tourism-focused businesses and organizations in the province. This initiative fills the digital skill gaps that tourism businesses often face, helping them to succeed in an increasingly digital marketplace. By providing businesses with the opportunity to partner with qualified digital consultants, the program aims to enable participants to optimize their online strategies, refine digital marketing efforts, and ultimately drive more tourist engagement and satisfaction. Eligible businesses and organizations can receive consultancy services valued at up to $5,000. This fund can cover a range of digital services including website design and development, search engine optimization (SEO), data analytics, and digital marketing services. The comprehensive scope ensures that participants can tailor their digital improvements to align closely with their specific business goals. For instance, up to $1,000 of the grant can be allocated for digital advertising spends, and up to $2,500 can be designated for high-quality photography or videography services. These elements are crucial for creating compelling online content that captures the attention of potential visitors. What sets the TDAP apart is its emphasis on not only developing digital infrastructures like e-commerce platforms and online booking systems but also on nurturing skills in content creation, social media presence, and even audio and podcast services. Such a holistic approach ensures that tourism businesses not only attract guests or customers but also provide engaging and informative digital experiences that today’s travelers expect. The importance of a robust online presence cannot be understated in the current tourism landscape. With a vast majority of travelers beginning their planning through online searches, businesses must ensure they appear in relevant search results, present professional and appealing images and videos, and offer seamless customer experiences from the first digital contact through to booking and beyond. By doing so, they increase their market reach, enhance their brand image, and build greater trust and credibility among potential clients. In order to commence and participate successfully in the program, eligible candidates are required to apply online, outlining their specific digital needs and the potential areas for development. Once approved, businesses will be paired with a consultant who aligns with their identified priorities. This initial step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the consultancy and collaboration process, ensuring that both the business and consultant work toward a shared vision. The career-long expertise of DNS and TNS in managing similar programs makes this offering highly efficient and strategically aligned with the province's broader goals of enhancing tourism. This is especially significant in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within the tourism sector—a priority for both DNS and TNS. This strategic angle not only supports Nova Scotia’s economy through tourism but also aligns with contemporary values of diversity and inclusion. TDAP is especially beneficial for first-time applicants or businesses that have never participated in such initiatives before. Ensuring fresh entries gain access to support ensures a dynamic infusion of new ideas and energies into Nova Scotia's tourism industry. For businesses that have previously participated, the program encourages them to clearly map out how new services will build upon their past initiatives, fostering continuity and progressive growth. For tourism-based businesses in Nova Scotia, engaging with the Tourism Digital Assistance Program represents a transformative opportunity. It enables participants not only to fine-tune their digital marketing efforts and e-commerce capabilities but also to become part of a collaborative network within the industry. By completing the program's journey, from application to execution, businesses will not only achieve immediate enhancements but also lay the groundwork for long-term digital success in an evolving digital and global marketplace.