BRITISH COLUMBIA

​“Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program

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​​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 applicants with a tourism mentor and provide seed funds to help bring their new tourism ideas to life.

2024-2025 “Spark" Programs:

> Boundary Country - 2025 Winners
> Sunshine Coast - 2025 Winners
> Cowichan - 2024 Winners
> Rainforest to Rockies - 2024 Winners

2022-2023 “Spark" Programs:

> Surrey - 2022 Winners
> Thompson Nicola - 2022 Winners
> Northern BC - 2023 Winners
> Indigenous Tourism BC - 2023 Winners
> Kootenay Rockies Accessible Tourism - 2023 Winners
> Cariboo Chilcotin Coast - 2023 Winners
> Campbell River - 2023 Winners

2021-2022 “Spark" Programs:

> Cariboo Chilcotin Coast - 2022 Winners
> Indigenous Tourism BC - 2022 Winners
> Sea to Sky - 2021 Winners 
> West Kootenay - 2021 Winners
​
Stay tuned for updates for other BC regions!

The “Spark" Program includes:

• Region-wide call out for applications from individuals, small businesses and non-profits
• 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)
• Selection of 3 winning applicants from each participating region

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)​
• 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 are 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! Kris Cu offers his Wildlife Photography Tours all across Surrey and White Rock.

Be inspired! Rebecca Mason is one of the creative minds behind Laugh Out Live!, bringing the best of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy, blended together in a live show experience in Whistler.

​Interested in launching the “Spark" Program in your region? 
Interested in being a mentor and supporting start-up tourism initiatives?  

Please contact Alex Berlyand, Program Lead at [email protected] for more information.

Learn more about the Tourism Innovation Lab and follow us on socials.