Tourism Accelerator Program – Golden has long been a magnet for travellers seeking mountain adventure, but a new program aims to help local businesses go beyond the usual and craft one-of-a-kind experiences that will bring visitors back year after year.
Tourism Golden has launched the Experience Development Accelerator, a fully funded training program valued at more than $8,000 per participant. Only ten businesses in the Golden region will be selected, and each will receive step-by-step support to design, build, and market a new or enhanced tourism experience.
Practical training, global expertise
The Accelerator unfolds across three major modules. The first is the Tourism Experience Development (T.E.D.) The program is an intensive three-day workshop led by Firecircle founder Deneen Allen and her team of mentors from across Canada. Participants will work through hands-on exercises in market analysis, brand storytelling, operational design, and financial feasibility. By the end, each business will have a fully developed tourism product ready to launch, plus a repeatable process for creating future experiences.
The second stage focuses on sustainability. Led by sustainable tourism consultant and writer Jonny Bierman, whose work has appeared in National Geographic and Vogue, this eight-module course goes beyond buzzwords. Participants will hear from global leaders in the field — from dive operators at PADI to Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada representatives — and learn how responsible tourism can strengthen both businesses and destinations.
Finally, the program wraps up with a one-on-one marketing accelerator. Each participant will be paired with a tourism marketing coach to build a launch plan, complete with a professional assessment and a detailed road map to get their new experience off the ground.
Added incentives for local businesses
On top of training, the Accelerator comes with a package of extras. Businesses that complete the program will receive $1,500 in marketing support from Tourism Golden, access to a subsidized asset creation program, and a free listing on TourismGolden.com for their first year. A refundable $1,500 deposit is required to join, but it’s returned in full once participants finish all modules.
According to Tourism Golden, the program isn’t just about boosting individual businesses. It’s also about aligning with the community’s larger tourism strategy — encouraging off-season visits, reducing environmental impact, promoting inclusivity, and supporting local supply chains.
“This is about building experiences that not only attract travellers, but also fit Golden’s values as a destination,” the organization explained in its program announcement.
Building a stronger year-round economy
Golden’s tourism economy has traditionally leaned heavily on the summer rush and winter ski season. Tourism Golden hopes the Accelerator will spark ideas that keep visitors coming in the spring and fall as well, easing pressure during peak months while spreading economic benefits more evenly throughout the year.
Examples might include new cultural or culinary experiences, guided activities for beginners, or innovative collaborations between businesses. Past programs run by Firecircle in other regions have led to everything from Indigenous storytelling tours to wilderness wellness retreats.
Applications now open
The Accelerator is open to businesses located in the Golden region of BC. Applicants don’t need to have a fully formed idea to qualify, but they should be ready to commit time and energy to the program. Selected participants will work toward launching their new or improved experience by June 2026.
Tourism Golden describes the program as a “transformative journey” for participants and for the community as a whole. “Golden is known worldwide for its adventure offerings, but there’s room to expand what visitors can do here. The Accelerator is a way to support local entrepreneurs while elevating the destination as a whole,” the organization said.
With only ten spots available, competition is expected to be strong. Applications and full program details are available at tourismgolden.com.
