Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now (they last closed April 16, 2026). Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page.
● Still available
4 other programs are open, with financing up to $150,000
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- ACOA Regional Economic Growth through Innovation: Business Scale-up and ProductivityGet interest-free financing to grow your Atlantic Canadian business and improve productivity.Loan · Multiple provinces
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Tourism Digital Assistance Program
The program pays 100% of the cost of digital services from a qualified provider, up to $5,000 including HST. The 2026-27 intake has closed, so watch for the next round. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
“Approved tourism businesses will be eligible for 100% of the cost of services from a qualified digital service provider, up to a maximum value of $5,000 including HST.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval must come BEFORE spending; projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You run a tourism business in Nova Scotia that is listed on NovaScotia.com.
- You need to update your website, SEO, or digital marketing before March 31, 2027.
- You are in good standing with Tourism Nova Scotia and have no overdue reporting.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are a municipality, chamber of commerce, or regional tourism organization.
- You are not listed on NovaScotia.com or lack the required permits and licenses.
- You operate a roofed accommodation that is not registered with the Short-term Rentals Registry.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $5,000 back.
Up to $5,000 in services (tax inclusive).
What may be supported
- Website design and development (including AI chatbots).
- Social media planning and SEO.
- Digital marketing planning and copywriting.
- Photography and videography (up to $3,000 of budget).
- E-commerce and online booking setup.
- Subscription services and digital campaign testing (up to $1,000 of budget).
What's excluded or restricted
- Municipalities, chambers of commerce, regional tourism marketing organizations, or membership-based organizations with a focus on tourism (must apply to the Communities program instead).
- Businesses not listed on NovaScotia.com.
- Businesses that do not meet required permits, licenses, or permissions.
- Roofed accommodations not registered with the Short-term Rentals Registry.
- Businesses not open to travellers in 2026.
- Businesses with overdue reporting or deliverables with TNS or DNS.
- Businesses not in good standing with the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
- Businesses not in good standing with the provincial Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
- Projects not completed by March 31, 2027.
- Photography deliverables exceeding 20 images selected by TNS.
- Ownership of final edited photos/videos created through the program (owned by TNS, though shared with participants).
How applying works
Effort: moderateRequires outlining digital challenges, attending orientation, and submitting an end-of-project report.
- 01Complete the online application form at the Digital Nova Scotia portal.
- 02Outline your digital challenges and opportunities.
- 03Receive confirmation message and email.
- 04If successful, enter into a Letter of Agreement with Digital Nova Scotia.
- 05Attend an orientation session.
- 06Complete an end-of-project report within required timelines.
Who to ask: TNSBusiness@novascotia.ca (Business Development Team); tdap@digitalnovascotia.com (for application confirmation issues).
Documents commonly required
- Proof of listing on NovaScotia.com.
- Valid permits, licenses, and permissions to operate.
- Short-term Rentals Registry registration (for roofed accommodations).
- Evidence of good standing with Tourism Nova Scotia and the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
What to know before you count on it
- Intake is closed for 2026-27; deadline was April 16, 2026.
- Tourism Nova Scotia owns the final edited photos and videos created through the program.
- Photography deliverables are capped at 20 images selected by TNS.
- Subscription services and digital campaign testing are capped at $1,000 of the total budget.
What are your odds?
Selection is competitive and based on demonstrated need and standing with provincial bodies.
Frequently asked questions
Is the money taxable?
The official page does not say whether this support is taxable. Ask your accountant.
Do I pay the consultant first?
The official page does not explain how payment works. Ask Digital Nova Scotia before you apply.
Can I use this for general business marketing?
No. It is only for tourism businesses listed on NovaScotia.com, and it covers digital services such as website design, social media planning, SEO and online booking.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
Funding for E-commerce
Grants and loans to help you launch or improve your online store.
Funding for Online Ordering and Booking
Grants and loans may help pay for online ordering, booking and reservation systems.
Funding for Retail POS
Grants and loans that may help pay for point-of-sale systems and other store technology.
What you can combine it with
Municipalities and chambers must apply to the separate Communities program instead.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.