PETERBOROUGH & THE KAWARTHAS (ROUND 3) “Spark" Program
Do you have a new tourism idea for Peterborough & the Kawarthas? If so, we want to hear from you!
Whether you are an individual, a start-up or an established small business or non-profit organization, there can be many challenges and barriers to bringing a new tourism idea, experience or partnership to fruition.
We want to help. The "Spark" Program will match selected candidates with a tourism mentor and provide seed funds to help take their great new tourism idea to the next level of development.
Our goal is to inspire entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in Peterborough & the Kawarthas to come forward with creative ideas that will generate new tourism opportunities, offerings, experiences and partnerships in the region. The program includes:
Call out for applications from individuals, small businesses, non-profits and community groups
Application reviews by a jury including local and provincial tourism innovators and leaders
Finalists' Pitch Session (our friendly take on a tourism Dragon's Den):
Save the date: Tuesday, April 16 at 4:00-6:15pm (virtual)
Selection of 3 winning applicants
Selected applicants will receive:
3 month mentorship with a tourism innovator, experienced operator, industry leader and/or sector expert (mentors are not pre-selected; matches are tailored to the mentee's focus areas)
$3,000 in seed funds to support tourism idea development activities
Access to a support network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders
Ongoing guidance on other resources and support services provided by partners
All program applicants will be invited to join our "Spark" community of tourism innovators, partners and supporters for special networking events, one-on-one's, and development workshops.
Be inspired! Wanderlight Alpaca Experience is developing a new agritourism mystery experience in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.
Be inspired! Aggie Armstrong launched contemporary art experiences on her farm in Oxford County.
Be Inspired! Tyneisha Thomas (aka Ty the Poetess) launched spoken word poetry concerts across Simcoe County.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024 Register for an Info Session below.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark" Application Guide
Who Can Apply?
Individuals 18+ who live in Peterborough & the Kawarthas (part-time residents are also eligible)
Small businesses based in Peterborough & the Kawarthas (new and existing, up to 10 full time year-round employees)
Non-profit organizations and community groups based in Peterborough & the Kawarthas (up to 10 full time year-round employees)
Note: - Eligibility areas include: City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation - Past Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” winners are not eligible to apply.
Map of Peterborough & the Kawarthas
What Are We Looking For? We are looking for new tourism ideas for Peterborough & the Kawarthas that address one or more of the following:
Enhance current tourism offerings
Create new, high-quality tourism experiences
Address gaps in tourism products and services
Motivate travel, longer stays and repeat visits
Increase year-round visitation and tourism spending
NOTE: - While there are no specific categories, we are especially interested in experiential and sustainable tourism ideas that connect with arts & culture, culinary, agritourism, and/or the shoulder season. - Tourism ideas must be based in and benefit Peterborough & the Kawarthas.
“Spark" Program Application
There are 2 steps to applying to the "Spark" Program: STEP 1. Complete the online application form STEP 2. Record and upload a short video (1 minute maximum)
STEP 1. Online Application The online application form will ask you the following 10 questions. Please submit your answers using the link below. We recommend you draft your responses first in a Word document, and then copy and paste your final answers into the online form.
1. Contact information. 2. Tell us about yourself, your small business or organization. 3a. New tourism idea project title. 3b. Describe your new tourism idea. 4. How is your idea innovative or unique? 5. What stage are you at with your idea? 6. Who are your target market(s) and/or partner(s)? 7. How does your idea advance sustainability efforts in the region? 8. How does your idea support diversity, equity and inclusion? 9. How would you utilize the “Spark” mentorship and seed funds if selected? 10. What are your desired outcomes and impacts?
STEP 2: Short Video In addition to providing responses to the application form questions, please record and upload a file or link to a 1 minute maximum unedited, unproduced video introducing yourself, your small business, non-profit organization or community group.
Missed the Peterborourgh & the Kawarthas "Spark" Program Info Session? Watch a recording below::
Definitions & Examples
Tourism idea: Experiences, products, and partnerships that motivate travel to your area by people living more than 40 km away, across the provincial border or internationally, and provide engagement, participation, purchasing and/or travel related opportunities while they are visiting.
New: An idea that is in the ideation stage, has just been created, is under development, or has been promoted/offered publicly for six (6) months or less.
Experiences: Opportunities for visitors to engage, participate, interact, learn, and explore an area to get a local understanding and broader awareness of a destination, often combining different elements (e.g., farmers market tour followed by a culinary class led by a local chef)
Product: Buyable goods and services related to tourism in the area (e.g., accommodations, attractions, tours, ticketed events, travel packages, and other tourism bundles)
Collaborative partnerships: Two or more businesses/organizations working together to promote and/or deliver a new tourism related experience or product (e.g., Metro Zoo + Cycling Group = “Jungle Ride” event)
Sustainable Tourism: Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. World Tourism Organization
Diversity: The range of human differences, including but not limited to, race, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, religion, marital status, family status, or physical ability or attributes.
Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people. We seek to support equity by actively identifying and removing all barriers for equity-seeking groups such as women, members of visible minority groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
Inclusion: Involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.
Accessibility: Removing barriers to increase inclusion and independence for everyone. Barriers include things such as attitudinal barriers, physical barriers, information and communication barriers, systemic barriers, technologic barriers, or sensory barriers.