BRITISH COLUMBIA

​“Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program

Presented by

 > BC Program Announcement

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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 candidates with a tourism mentor and provide a source of financial support to help take your new tourism idea to the next level of development.

2021-2022 “Spark" Program Regions:

> West Kootenay - 2021 Winners
​> Sea to Sky - 2021 Winners 
> Cariboo Chilcotin Coast - Application Deadline Feb 18, 2022
> Indigenous Tourism BC - Application Intake Now Closed

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
• "Spark" grant 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. 101 for more information.

Learn more about the Tourism Innovation Lab

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​- Home Base - 
Tourism Innovation Lab
c/o University of Windsor - EPICentre
​2455 Wyandotte St W, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3B3
​​​info@tourisminnovation.ca
1-844-455-0325 toll-free / 416-712-8819