
Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NT, Canada
Funding for tourism product development in the Northwest Territories
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $250,000
- Up to 15% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : January 17, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Financial assistance of up to $250,000 towards the development of a new tourism product or enhancement of an existing product.
Financing terms and conditions
The Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program offers targeted financing to support tourism businesses in the Northwest Territories through business planning, product development, and marketing assistance. The program's financing modalities are structured to encourage growth and innovation within the industry.
- Funding up to $25,000 for business planning and transition assistance, applicable to consulting fees and business plan development.
- Support up to $250,000 for product development and enhancement over one or multiple years, covering a wide range of development costs.
- Marketing assistance funds up to $10,000 per applicant for projects aimed at increasing tourism visibility, such as attending trade shows or developing marketing materials.
- Equity requirement of 15%, which may include sweat equity or capital infrastructure for which no previous contribution has been received.
- Stipulation that recipients of larger grants must wait five years after receipt before reapplying.
Activities funded
The grant supports a variety of projects aimed at enhancing the tourism experience in Northwest Territories. These projects focus on reinventing and expanding tourism products to attract new visitors and meet market demands.
- Development of comprehensive business plans for new or existing tourism products.
- Enhancement of current tourism products to attract a larger audience.
- Start-up ventures related to tourism activities.
- Acquisition of capital to improve tourism services and infrastructure.
- Skills development and upgrading for personnel involved in tourism.
- Upgrading of services and amenities within the tourism industry.
- Development and enhancement of websites for tourism businesses.
- Marketing initiatives, including travel to trade shows and launch campaigns.
- Creation and distribution of marketing materials like brochures and pamphlets.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 170,000
Creating an Indigenous cultural experience showcasing traditional crafts and dances
$ 250,000
Developing a new eco-tourism experience focused on wildlife conservation
$ 140,000
Launching a comprehensive website for a cultural tour operator
$ 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
Eligibility
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.
Who is eligible?
NWT Businesses, economic development agencies, and communities, Aboriginal Organizations, and potential aboriginal culture tourism ventures.
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies that are not eligible for this grant include:
- Non-NWT Businesses
- Organizations not involved in tourism or culture ventures
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.
Eligible geographic areas
This program encourages applications from businesses and organizations located in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It aims to enhance local tourism products and attract new visitors to the region.
- NWT Businesses.
- Economic development agencies within the Northwest Territories.
- Communities in the Northwest Territories.
- Aboriginal Organizations based in the NWT.
Selection 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.
How to apply
1
Initial Consultation
Contact your regional Tourism Development Officer to discuss your project idea.
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.
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.
4
Submit the Application
- Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
- Send the completed application and all supporting documents to your regional office.
Additional information
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.
Contacts
867-587-7171
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement?
Who is eligible for the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement?
Where is the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement available?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program — Product Development and Enhancement program?

Grant and FundingClosed
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support
Government of the Northwest TerritoriesFunding for entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Northwest Territories Arts Council Funding
NWT Arts CouncilFinancial support for Northwest Territories artists and art projects
Northwest Territories, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Research Support
Government of the Northwest TerritoriesFunding for strategic sector research in the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive
Government of the Northwest TerritoriesMoney for capital purchases in the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund
Northwest TerritoriesFunding for tourism industry training in NWT
Northwest Territories, Canada

Expert AdviceOpen
Economic Development Officers
Government of the Northwest TerritoriesNorthwest Territories business support services
Northwest Territories, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business
Government of the Northwest TerritoriesMoney for micro-businesses in the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
BDIC — Standby Letters of Credit
Government of the Northwest TerritoriesContract security and security of payment for Northwest Territories companies
Northwest Territories, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Strategic Investments
Government of the Northwest TerritoriesMoney for strategic projects in Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories, Canada

Expert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Community Futures Program Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories Community Futures Association (NWTCFA)Northwest Territories business loans and counselling
Northwest Territories, Canada