How much funding can be received?

This grant is targeted at companies and organizations located in the Northwest Territories (NWT) of Canada. The eligible geographical areas are specified to promote tourism development in these regions.

Sahtu
South Slave
North Slave (including Yellowknife and Behchokǫ̀)
Beaufort-Delta
Dehcho

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$170,000

Creating an Indigenous cultural experience showcasing traditional crafts and dances

$140,000

Launching a comprehensive website for a cultural tour operator

$250,000

Developing a new eco-tourism experience focused on wildlife conservation

$200,000

Establishing a new culinary tourism trail highlighting local cuisine

$200,000

Developing a new winter sports event to attract tourists during off-peak seasons

$150,000

Enhancing the existing historical tour services offered in the city

grant_single_labels|admissibility

This grant has specific eligibility criteria for potential applicants as outlined below.

The applicant must be a business, economic development agency, or community located in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
Aboriginal Organizations are eligible to apply.
Potential ventures focusing on aboriginal culture tourism are encouraged to apply.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

NWT Businesses, economic development agencies, and communities, Aboriginal Organizations, and potential aboriginal culture tourism ventures.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Some types of companies that are not eligible for this grant include:

Non-NWT Businesses
Organizations not involved in tourism or culture ventures

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant provides support for NWT tourism businesses aiming to enhance, expand, or market their products to attract new visitors. Eligible projects are centered around business planning, product development, and marketing enhancement efforts.

Development of business plans to enhance or develop new tourism products.
Consulting related to tourism operator licensing.
Development of new products or enhancement of existing tourism offerings.
Capital acquisitions and start-up costs for tourism products.
Skills upgrading and amenities enhancement.
Upgrading services or developing websites for tourism offerings.
Marketing projects, including trade shows, brochures, and campaigns.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the enhancement and marketing of tourism products.

Consulting fees and costs for business plan development.
Costs associated with consulting related to obtaining a Tourism Operator Licence.
Start-up costs for new tourism products.
Capital acquisition for enhancing tourism offerings.
Skills upgrading necessary for product development.
Services or amenities upgrading for tourism businesses.
Website development for tourism marketing.
Development costs associated with new or enhanced product offerings.
Travel expenses for trade shows.
Brochure or pamphlet development for marketing.
Launch campaigns to promote tourism products.
Development or modification of websites for marketing purposes.

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program grant:

Demonstrated need for funding to re-invent, improve, or expand tourism product and operation.
The potential of the proposed project to attract new visitors to the NWT and increase revenues for existing tourism businesses.
Alignment with the goals of product development, enhancement, and marketing in the tourism sector.
Ability to meet the equity requirement of 15% for each schedule.
The clarity and feasibility of the proposed business plan, product development, or marketing project.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program:

Step 1: Initial Consultation
- Contact your regional Tourism Development Officer to discuss your project idea.
Step 2: Choose the Right Application Form
- Select one of the application forms based on the schedule relevant to your needs: Business Planning and Transition Assistance, Product Development and Enhancement, or Marketing Assistance for Tourism Businesses.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the chosen application form with all required information.
- Prepare any additional documents as outlined in the program’s guidelines, such as business plans, marketing strategies, or budgets.
Step 4: Submit the Application
- Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
- Send the completed application and all supporting documents to your regional office.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

It is recommended that potential applicants contact their regional Tourism Development Officer to discuss their project idea before developing a proposal.
There is an equity requirement of 15%, which can include up to $10,000 in sweat equity or existing capital infrastructure for which no previous funds have been received.
Recipients of the Product Development and Enhancement funding can only reapply once five years have passed since receiving the contribution.

grant_single_labels|contact

867-587-7171

Apply to this program

Unlocking New Opportunities in the Tourism Sector

The Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program is a funding initiative designed to help tourism businesses in the Northwest Territories (NWT) enhance and market their offerings. By supporting business planning, product development, and marketing activities, this program aims to attract more visitors to the region and boost local economic growth.

In-Depth Exploration of the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program

Launched to support the evolving needs of the tourism industry, the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program offers a diverse range of funding opportunities aimed at bolstering the tourism sector's capacity to innovate and thrive. By focusing on three main areas—business planning, product development and enhancement, and marketing assistance—the program not only boosts the quality and appeal of tourism products but also helps businesses adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences.

The program is strategically structured to cater to both established businesses and new entrants in the tourism market. Through Schedule 1: Business Planning and Transition Assistance, applicants can receive up to $25,000 to create or refine business plans. This aspect of the program is pivotal for businesses looking to broaden their current tourism offerings or introduce new products capable of enticing additional tourists to the NWT. The funding can be used for costs related to consulting services and obtaining the necessary permissions, such as a Tourism Operator Licence, with a mandatory equity of 15%, including sweat equity.

Schedule 2 focuses on Product Development and Enhancement, providing up to $250,000, available over several years. This part of the funding encourages substantial developments or enhancements to existing tourism products, thus presenting a unique opportunity for businesses to engage in more ambitious projects that can significantly boost tourism appeal. Eligible expenses under this schedule include start-up costs, capital acquisitions, and enhancements in skills, services, or amenities crucial for enriching visitor experiences. The strategic use of funds to include elements like website development reflects an understanding of the digital transformation in marketing.

Marketing is a cornerstone of the program, with Schedule 3 allowing up to $10,000 per applicant. This segment emphasizes the importance of robust marketing strategies in reaching new audiences and expanding market presence. Funds here are geared toward practical marketing efforts such as attending key trade shows, and developing promotional materials, and online presence enhancement, all of which are integral to capturing and converting tourist interest. Like the other schedules, a 15% equity contribution is expected from applicants.

Participation in this program requires a strategic approach to application preparation. Prospective applicants are advised to first discuss their projects with regional Tourism Development Officers. This preliminary step can provide invaluable insights, ensuring that proposals align perfectly with regional economic development initiatives. Alongside careful planning, applicants must thoughtfully complete and submit the relevant forms for each funding schedule, considering the economic impact and sustainability of their proposed projects.

In summary, the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program stands as a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation in the NWT's tourism sector. By facilitating access to resources necessary for business planning, product enhancement, and effective marketing, the program supports an adaptive and resilient tourism ecosystem. It encourages businesses to think creatively and strategically about how they can contribute to a vibrant and economically healthy tourism landscape, benefitting not just individual enterprises but the wider community and region as a whole.