How to apply for the Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund

By GrantHub Research Team · · Lire en français

How to apply for the Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund

If you run a tourism business in the Northwest Territories, training your staff can be expensive. The Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund helps cover those costs so you can build skills without paying the full bill yourself. The program offers up to $6,000 per year and can cover 75% of eligible training costs for approved applicants.

This guide explains how to apply for the Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund, who qualifies, what costs are covered, and how to avoid common application mistakes.


What is the Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund?

The Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund (TTF) is a territorial grant delivered by Northwest Territories, Tourism and Parks. It supports short, formal training that strengthens the tourism workforce across the NWT.

Key funding details

  • Maximum funding: Up to $6,000 per year, per application
  • Cost coverage: Up to 75% of eligible training costs
  • Applicant contribution: Minimum 25% cash contribution
  • Status: Open
  • Jurisdiction: Northwest Territories

The fund is designed for practical skills development, not long academic programs.


Who is eligible to apply?

To apply for the Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund, you must meet both residency and sector requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Tourism businesses operating in the NWT
  • Not-for-profit tourism associations or organizations in the NWT
  • Holders of a valid NWT Tourism Operator Licence
  • Employers or employees in the NWT accommodations sector
  • Non-GNWT Visitor Information Centres
  • Formal volunteers (such as festival or event volunteers) under group applications
  • Groups of individuals from multiple NWT tourism businesses collaborating on training

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses or individuals in the aviation industry

What training costs does the fund cover?

Only short, formal training is eligible under the Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund.

Eligible training includes:

  • Workshops or short courses
  • In-person, online, or hybrid training
  • Training programs under 12 weeks
  • Courses not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) training funding

Typical eligible expenses may include:

  • Tuition or registration fees
  • Course materials
  • Trainer or instructor fees

If you are unsure whether a course qualifies, you can use tools such as GrantHub to review programs available in your province and industry.


How to apply for the Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund

Applying is straightforward, but details matter.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Check that your business or organization operates in the NWT and is actively engaged in tourism. Make sure your training fits the “short, formal” requirement.

Step 2: Choose your training

Select a course or workshop that directly supports tourism operations, service quality, safety, or management.

Step 3: Prepare your budget

Your application must clearly show:

  • Total training cost
  • The 75% grant portion
  • Your 25% cash contribution
    Applications without a clear cost breakdown are often delayed or rejected.

Step 4: Submit your application

Apply through the official Northwest Territories, Tourism and Parks application process before starting the training. Funding is not guaranteed for retroactive costs.


Common mistakes to avoid

  1. Applying after training has started
    Most training grants, including this one, expect approval before costs are incurred.

  2. Requesting 100% funding
    The fund caps support at 75%. You must show your 25% contribution.

  3. Choosing ineligible training
    Long-term programs or EI-eligible training do not qualify.

  4. Forgetting licence requirements
    Tourism operators must hold a valid NWT Tourism Operator Licence at the time of application.


Tips for a successful application

  • Double-check the eligibility of your training program and your business status before applying.
  • Keep all documentation organized, including proof of costs and your cash contribution.
  • Reach out to Northwest Territories, Tourism and Parks if you have questions about the application process.
  • Check if you can use other grants together, but make sure to follow the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much can I receive from the Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund?
You can receive up to $6,000 per year, covering a maximum of 75% of eligible training costs. You must contribute at least 25% yourself.

Q: Can online training be funded?
Yes. In-person, online, and hybrid training formats are all eligible under the program.

Q: Can employees apply, or only business owners?
Both employers and employees in the NWT tourism sector can apply, as long as eligibility requirements are met.

Q: Are volunteers eligible for funding?
Yes. Formal volunteers, such as those working on festivals or events, may be eligible under group funding applications.

Q: Is funding from the Tourism Training Fund taxable?
Funding is generally treated as business income. You should confirm the tax treatment with your accountant.


GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including territorial tourism and training funds. It can help you check which ones fit your business profile.


Next steps

The Northwest Territories Tourism Training Fund is a practical way to reduce the cost of staff training while strengthening your tourism business. Before you apply, confirm your eligibility, your training choice, and your budget. GrantHub helps you stay on top of current training grants in the NWT and find complementary programs that fit your business goals.

See also:

  • What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
  • How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
  • What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?

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