BRITISH COLUMBIA

​“Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program

Presented by

​​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 new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

2022-2023 “Spark" Program Regions:

> 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" Program Regions:

> 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
• 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.

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

Please contact Alex Berlyand, BC Programs Coordinator at outreach@tourisminnovation.ca or 1-844-455-0325 ext. 2 for more information.

Learn more about the Tourism Innovation Lab