Grants set to boost South Australia’s visitor economy

This month I wanted to highlight a variety of upcoming grant opportunities during March, April and May 2024 to support strategic growth for South Australia’s cultural tourism sector.

Grants present an opportunity to leverage governments funds for the development of new and improved tourism experiences, events and assets. They are worth assessing to identify if your business or community could secure financial support for the coming years.

The Regional Events Fund offers funding to support vibrant regional events that attract visitors, stimulate local economies and elevate their brand exposure. The grants offered by Events South Australia act as a catalyst for creativity and innovation to deliver exceptional regional experiences for both locals and visitors. The 2024-25 fund will support events between 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 and be offered in two streams – Established Event Funding offering up to three years’ funding from $20,000 - $50,000 per year and Developing Event Funding offering up to three years’ funding from $5,000 to $20,000 per year. Read about Alex Brown Project Company’s success with securing sponsorship dollars for the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival here.

The new Activating Heritage Tourism Small Grants program supports heritage sites and tourism operators offering heritage themed tours and immersive experiences to capitalise on the growing interest in cultural tourism. Financial support from $5,000 to $15,000 will be offered by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and the Tourism Industry Council SA (TICSA) to projects that celebrate and preserve South Australia’s unique heritage, contributing to sustainable tourism development.

The 2024-25 Heritage Conservation Grants are now open and empower businesses to safeguard and revitalize historic landmarks and properties by investing in conservation efforts, backed by the DEW. Businesses not only contribute to the preservation of South Australia’s heritage but also enhance the appeal of their offerings to heritage-conscious travellers. Grants from $1,000 up to $20,000 are available for conservation work or documentation.

If you are considering applying for one of the above grants and require assistance with grant writing, product development or project guidance please make contact with Alex Brown, Adelaide tourism development consultant to discuss your project. Consider your timelines and the grant deadlines to allow for a quality submission to be prepared and don’t forget to carefully read the guidelines to see if your business and project are eligible.

You may be eligible to access one hour of complimentary business mentoring via the Southern Business Mentoring Program or subsidised mentoring via the Tourism Industry Council of South Australia’s Business Capabilities Program.

Image credits: SA Media Gallery - Adelaide Railway Station, joey joenes (Joseph Nes), Moonta Mines, @dylangaston_ , Mill Estate, Get Clicked, South Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

SA Economic Recovery Fund now open

An exciting boost for regional tourism operators has just been announced by the Department for Treasury and Finance with it’s new $20 million Economic Recovery Fund to support Regional Tourism Infrastructure Development and Manufacturing Innovation.

The program supports quality new accommodation or expansions, visitor attractions and experiences plus visitor infrastructure to enhance visitor engagement or develop new tour offerings.

The tourism industry can apply for grants from $150,000 up to $1 million or loans from $1 million to $5 million. Both grants and loans are limited to up to 30 per cent of the overall project cost.
 
Applications are open until 15 December 2023.

Make contact with Alex Brown today for grant writing services or for a business consultation to discuss project positioning to capture funds.

Businesses and residents within the City of Onkaparinga and District Council of Yankalilla can also access a free tourism mentoring session with Alex Brown via the Southern Business Mentoring Program.

Alex Brown, tourism development consultant has 14 years tourism industry experience and prides herself on delivering quality work with a strong attention to detail to deliver the best outcome for the client and the consumer. Alex has held various business advisory and project management positions to support growth in the tourism, entertainment, leisure and retail sectors to assist with experience and product development, precinct planning, investment attraction, acquisition of grant funding, marketing advice and planning and becoming export ready.

Image credits SA Media Gallery left to right: One Kangaroo Island, Elliot Grafton, The Villas at The Waikerie Golf and Country Club, David Sievers, Dudley Wines, Adam Bruzzone, Kuti Shack, Duy Dash.