Indigenous tourism operators across the Northern Territory can share in $300,000 of government funding towards consultancy services to aid growth and development, such as business planning, feasibility studies and applications.

The Territory Labor Government grants are designed to expand First Nations tourism organisations and cement sustainable businesses and experiences through access to business development opportunities and services.

Business owners can engage professional services to develop feasibility studies, grant applications and other business planning via round two of the NT government's Aboriginal Tourism Development Support Grant Program, with grants of $10,000-$30,000 available.

Applications are now open for the funding, which can include provision of professional services that help Indigenous tourism operators grow their business from the ground, such as applications to relevant land councils or other land management authorities to support the delivery of tourism experiences and products.

Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours operator Rosanna Angus, a proud Jawi woman who won a gold in the tour guide category at the recent Australian Tourism Awards for her business in WA's north, told National Indigenous Times taking the next step to operating a bigger business, with multiple staff and assets, was a challenge in a crowded market.

"It's fantastic the exposure generates for the business, but I still don't have the capacity to grow," said Ms Angus, who's business still doesn't return a profit, despite the accolades and growing demand for Aboriginal tourism experiences.

Ms Angus is currently upskilling as she strives to leverage her success, taking a business course she hopes will land her vital grants and funding required to grow her operation.

Grants for NT tourism businesses will assist operators there with similar challenges. Last year 10 Aboriginal businesses received more than $200,000 in grants in round one of the funding, including Buymarr Getaways.

Wangurri Djerrkura Aboriginal Corporation director Nathan Djerrkura said access to funding helped his corporation with registration and planning work, includuing land tenure arrangements and infrastructure scoping.

"With this assistance, we feel confident to take the next steps on our business journey and are working to open Buymarr Getaways and our campgrounds to visitors in 2024," he said.

NT Tourism and Hospitality minister Nicole Manison said the grants gave Indigenous operators opportunities to build their business.

"The NT's Aboriginal tourism industry is thriving and we're committed to growing locally owned tourism businesses to share our rich Aboriginal culture, product and experiences," she said.

Applications open today and close March 15, 2024 or earlier if funding is fully subscribed.

To be eligible, businesses must be an NT-based majority owned Aboriginal business or organisation with a goal to develop Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and products that encourage visitors to travel to the Territory and stay longer.

More information on grant guidelines and applications is available online.