The Territory Labor Government is backing small business and boosting local jobs, by nearly doubling the latest round of funding for VEEP grants.
Round 7 of the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program is now open and will see $3 million on offer to businesses across the Northern Territory.
Tourism and hospitality businesses can apply for grants of up to $100,000, with a matching cash co-contribution, for projects that improve the on-ground visitor experience.
VEEP provides enormous support to local businesses and tourism operators to enhance their product offerings for visitors to the Northern Territory.
The grants can be used for a range of projects from infrastructure upgrades, better accessibility or improved safety, to developing new visitor experiences and products.
Through previous rounds of VEEP, $9.4 million in funding has been awarded to help tourism operators to upgrade facilities or experiences, generating positive promotion of the Northern Territory, as an amazing holiday destination.
Round 6 saw $1.77 million awarded to 25 local businesses, round 7 almost doubles that, with $3 million available to local businesses.
Applicants will need to demonstrate how the project will enhance the visitor experience, increase favourable reviews from customers and increase visitor numbers, with priority given to projects that demonstrate the greatest need for visitor enhancement.
As well as stimulating private investment, VEEP has flow-on benefits for other industry sectors, with all applicants required to adhere to the Buy Local policy, as part of the Government's commitment to supporting Territory enterprises.
Applications for VEEP Round 7 will close on 19 July 2023, and all projects must be completed by 30 April 2024.
