Industry, Tourism and Investment tourism employee sitting with entrepreneur providing information on GNWT programs and services

NWT Tourism AGM Day 2: The Idea Café

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Blog Entries

November 7, 2018

Ever had a great idea, but felt like you didn’t have the knowledge, money, or support to see it through? Most have been there.

And while the GNWT offers a lot of programming to lend a hand, not everyone knows how the programming might fit with their ideas.

At the NWT Tourism AGM, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is matching GNWT programs to projects to help solve that problem for aspiring tourism entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to expand.

It’s called the Idea Café, and it is staffed all week with ITI tourism programming experts from the department ready to talk shop with entrepreneurs, and connect them with the right supports for their ideas.  

The Café has been popular, with many valuable conversations taking place over coffee, tea, and snacks between workshops and seminars.

Industry, Tourism and Investment staff talking with tourism entrepreneur about GNWT tourism programming

ITI administers 10 programs directly targeted at tourism in the NWT. Their focuses include mentorship, product development, marketing, and infrastructure development. These programs are laid out under Tourism 2020 — the GNWT’s plan to build the tourism industry through 2021.

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The department also invests directly in tourism businesses through broad economic development initiatives like the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) policy.

Getting entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed is central to the GNWT’s plans to diversify the territory’s economy, and create new opportunities.

The Café isn't only open during the AGM — if you have a great idea, contact your regional office to find the right program to help.