NORTHERN ONTARIO
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:
Selected applicants will receive:
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. 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 GuideWho Can Apply?
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. 
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:
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 ApplicationHow 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. 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 |
Learn more about
Destination Northern Ontario
Tourism Excellence North
Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce
Tourism Innovation Lab
