Innovation fund for local tourism businesses

The Tourism Innovation Fund has been launched to encourage local businesses to attract more visitors to Northern Ireland
The overarching objective of the Tourism Innovation Fund is to help local businesses develop projects that will boost tourism in Northern Ireland and in turn increase the revenue derived from tourism. The main aims of the Tourism Innovation Fund are to enhance the growth, quality, competitiveness and sustainability of tourism in Northern Ireland by stimulating product development and improving the visitor experience.

Funding project themes
Funding will be considered under three main project themes:

Visitor Servicing Initiatives - to present unique, individual and compelling experiences for visitors to Northern Ireland
Planning and Development - to develop potential product innovation projects
Accreditation Schemes - to raise and improve quality standards
Who can apply for funding?
The private sector, including companies and other legal entities and individuals are eligible to apply. The entity should be able to demonstrate it can be categorised as a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).

Public sector organisations, including commercial and non-commercial semi state organisations and local authorities are eligible to apply for the funding. So too are voluntary or community organisations.

In assessing all projects, emphasis will be laid upon the consistency of how well the proposal fits within the Northern Ireland Tourist Board's (NITB) corporate priorities. The NITB have also outlined examples of ineligible projects. Download details of the Tourism Innovation Fund guidelines and criteria from the NITB website (PDF, 24.7MB) - Opens in a new window.

How much financial support can I expect?
The financial assistance depends on what sector your business operates within. The following thresholds apply:

private sector - financial assistance up to 50 per cent of project costs, with a minimum grant of £20,000 and a maximum of £150,000
public sector - financial assistance up to 75 per cent of project costs, with a minimum grant of £20,000 and a maximum of £150,000
voluntary or community sector - financial assistance up to 75 per cent of project costs, with a minimum grant of £20,000 and a maximum of £150,000
How can I apply?
The application process comprises two stages and must be completed online. For the initial stage applicants must download and complete the Tourism Innovation Fund application form that can be located on the EU Grants website. Find the Tourism Innovation Fund application form on the EU Grants website (registration required) - Opens in a new window.

The deadline for application forms is 17.00 on Friday 14 August 2009.