It all starts with an idea!

Are you looking to take your tourism business to the next level?
Do you have a tourism project focused on Nature-Culture-Adventure and/or demonstrating a strong connection to one of these sectors?
Would you like support to help move your business project forward?

The Northern Incubator-Accelerator (I-A Nordique) supports tourism entrepreneurs north of the 49th parallel in developing and implementing structured projects aimed at enhancing the quality and diversity of the tourism offering across the territory.

By the end of 2029, we aim to support 90 tourism businesses in the development and implementation of their business projects.

A Nature-Culture-Adventure approach

Businesses supported by the I-A Nordique are primarily part of the Nature-Culture-Adventure focus, which represents a distinctive strength of the northern territory. However, support may be extended to other sectors when a project demonstrates a strong connection with at least one of these three key sectors, allowing us to adapt to regional realities and maximize benefits for the territory.

Our support is intended, among other things, to contribute to the following outcomes:

• increase the number of tourists welcomed by supported businesses;

• support growth in their revenues;

• increase the number of operating days and/or the number of clients per year;

• encourage the adoption of environmentally responsible practices.

A two-part service offering

We focus our interventions on the strategic aspects that are essential to the successful implementation of tourism business projects. Our service offering is divided into two components:

Component 1 – Business Support Program

Tailored support based on the needs of the business, whether it is a start-up or an established operation. Businesses selected for Component 1 have access to tourism and entrepreneurship experts who support them through the key stages of their project. Depending on their needs, experts may, for example:

• validate their business concept with their target market;

• develop or strengthen their business plan;

• develop their tourism offering with a view to creating packages;

• structure their financing plan and prepare financial projections;

• establish the foundations required to move their project forward.

Component 2 – Financial Assistance

Non-repayable financial assistance of up to $500,000 per approved project may contribute to the implementation of eligible businesses’ structured investments. Ultimately, the I-A Nordique aims to maximize the leverage effect of tourism projects by helping reduce risks and strengthen the confidence of partners and investors.

Through this combination of expertise, support and financial assistance, we aim to help businesses:

• improve their services and visitor experience;

• generate new customer volumes;

• access new markets;

• strengthen their ability to secure financing from funding partners. 

For more information, visit the “TOOLS” section to access the Entrepreneur’s Guide, or send your questions to info@ianord.ca.