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NORTHERN ONTARIO

2SLGBTQI+ “Spark" Program

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​Do you identify as 2SLGBTQI+, live in Northern Ontario, and have a new tourism idea?
​If so, we want to hear from you!
Destination Northern Ontario, Tourism Excellence North, Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), regional tourism partners, and the Tourism Innovation Lab have partnered to launch a 2SLGBTQI+ "Spark" Program in Northern Ontario.

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 2SLGBTQI+ 
"Spark" Program will match selected candidates with a tourism mentor and provide seed funds to help take their new tourism idea to the next level of development.
Our goal is to inspire self-identified 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, 2SLGBTQI+ majority owned & operated small businesses, and 2SLGBTQI+ focused non-profit organizations and community groups to come forward with creative ideas that will generate new tourism offerings and experiences, and help make the tourism sector more accessible, diverse, equitable, inclusive and sustainable.
The program includes:
  • Call out for applications from 2SLGBTQI+ self-identified individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations and community groups based in Northern Ontario
  • Application reviews by a jury including local and provincial tourism leaders and entrepreneurs (majority of whom are 2SLGBTQI+ self-identified)
  • Finalists' Pitch Session (our friendly take on a tourism Dragon's Den):  
    • ​Save the date: Thursday, November 16 @ 1:00-3:30pm ET
    • In person at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit (Sault Ste. Marie) or virtual participation options for finalists
  • Selection of 3 winning applicants from Northern Ontario

Selected applicants will receive:
  • 3 month mentorship with a tourism innovator, experienced operator, industry leader and/or sector expert
  • $3,000 in seed funds to support tourism idea development activities
  • CGLCC support package and additional partner support 
  • Access to a support network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders
  • ​Ongoing guidance on other resources and support services provided by partners
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All program applicants will be invited to join our “Spark" community of tourism innovators, idea makers, partners and supporters for special networking events, one-on-one's, and development workshops.
​See past "Spark" Program winners from across Ontario.
Be inspired! Curveball Creative developed and launched a new projection art experience called "Love Text" in London.

​​APPLICATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 17, 2023
Register for an Info Session below.


2SLGBTQI+ “Spark" Program Application Guide

Who Can Apply?
  • Self-identified 2SLGBTQI+ individuals 18+ who live in Northern Ontario
  • 2SLGBTQI+ majority owned & operated small businesses based in Northern Ontario (new and existing businesses with up to 10 full-time year round employees)
  • 2SLGBTQI+ non-profit organizations and community groups based in Northern Ontario (up to 10 full-time year round employees)​

Note:
- Eligible applicants from Indigenous communities whose traditional territories are within Northern Ontario in whole or in part are eligible to apply.

 - Majority means small business owners who self-identify as 2SLGBTQI+ own and operate 51% or more of the business.
- Non-profit organizations and community groups that primarily serve 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
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Northern Ontario (RTO 13)

​What Are We Looking For?
We are looking for new tourism ideas from 
Northern Ontario's 2SLGBTQI+ communities that address one or more of the following:
  • Enhance current tourism offerings
  • Create high-quality tourism experiences
  • Address gaps in tourism products and services
  • Motivate longer stays and repeat visits
  • Increase year-round visits and tourism spending 

New tourism ideas must be based in and benefit Northern Ontario. While there are no specific categories, we are especially interested in new tourism ideas that connect with: accommodations, cultural tours, culinary experiences, guided tours for cruise ship passengers, Indigenous experiences, and new festivals & events.

What Does 2SLGBTQI+ Stand For?
Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, plus other queer sexual orientations and gender identities.

What Is A Tourism Idea?
Experiences, products and partnerships that motivate travel to and in your region by people living more than 40km away, across the border or internationally, and provide engagement, participation, purchasing and/or travel related opportunities while they are visiting. 

What Do We Mean By New?
Tourism experiences, products, businesses and partnerships that are in the ideation stage, have just been created, are under development, or have been promoted/offered publicly for 6 months or less.
​

Other Tourism Definitions and Examples
Experiences: Opportunities for visitors to engage, participate, interact, learn and explore in a region to get a local understanding and broader awareness of a destination, often combining different elements (eg. farmers market tour followed by a culinary class led by a local chef).     
Products: Buyable goods and services related to tourism in the region (eg. 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 (eg., 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. Click here for more information and examples.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Diversity is about our many differences - like skin colour, culture, sexual orientation, family status, ability, etc. Inclusion is a feeling, and comes from actively creating a space where we feel like we are welcome, safe, and that we belong. Equity is about recognizing that our diversity means we all have different needs, and creating experiences with this in mind - so everyone can participate and have access, and feel that sense of inclusion, safety, and belonging when they do. Our goal is for the tourism sector to better reflect diversity, equity and inclusion in terms of who designs experiences, and who enjoys them. - Annemarie Shrouder, DEI Advisor

​​APPLICATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 17, 2023

“Spark" Program Application

How to Apply?
There are 2 steps to applying to the 2SLGBTQI+ "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.


1a. Contact information.
1b. 2SLGBTQI+ self-identification.
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, seed funds and partner support if selected?
10. What are your desired outcomes and impacts?


STEP 2: Short Video
​
In addition to providing responses to the application 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. 
ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

​Program Info Session
Interested in applying to the Northern Ontario 2SLGBTQI+ "Spark" Program? Register for this online Info Session to learn more about the program, what we are looking for, and how to apply: 
​

Tuesday, October 3 @ 5:00-5:45pm ET - REGISTER
​Missed the virtual launch event? Watch the recording below:
Questions? Please contact:
Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab: info@tourisminnovation.ca

    To join our Tourism Innovation "Spark" Community, please enter your contact information below to receive program updates from the Tourism Innovation Lab by email:

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Learn more about
Destination Northern Ontario
Tourism Excellence North
​Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce

​Tourism Innovation Lab
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Terms & Conditions

The Tourism Innovation Lab is a Program of Hackforge

Copyright © 2023 Hackforge

Central Canada Home Base 
Tourism Innovation Lab
c/o Hackforge
300 Ouellette Ave, Suite 210, Windsor, ON N9A 7B4
​​​info@tourisminnovation.ca
1-844-455-0325 x 1 (toll-free)

​Western Canada Home Base
Tourism Innovation Lab
c/o The Common
38016 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0A1
info@tourisminnovation.ca
1-844-455-0325 x 2 (toll-free)

We respectfully acknowledge that our home base in Windsor-Essex sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which is comprised of the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi Peoples. We also respectfully acknowledge that our home base in Squamish sits on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples: Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations. We will honour this by collaborating with Indigenous-led organizations and businesses to support the advancement of Indigenous tourism in those regions and across Canada.​
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