ONTARIO

​“Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program

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.

2022 “Spark" Program Regions:

> Haldimand County - 2022 Winners
> Indigenous Tourism (Round 2) - 2022 Winners
> Norfolk County - 2022 Winners
> Peterborough & the Kawarthas - Application Deadline May 31
> Simcoe County - Application Intake Now Closed
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Stay tuned for updates for other Ontario regions!

2021 “Spark" Program Regions:

> Akwesasne, Cornwall & SDG Counties (Round 2) - 2021 Winners
> Algoma Country - 2021 Winners
> Bruce County (Round 3) - 2021 Winners
> Chatham-Kent (Round 2) - 2021 Winners 
> Indigenous Tourism - 2021 Winners
> London - 2021 Winners
> Northern ON (Special Edition) - 2021 Winners
​> Oxford County - 2021 Winners
​> St. Lawrence College - Special Student Edition 
> Windsor Essex (Round 2) - 2021 Winners

2018-2020 “Spark" Program Regions:
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​> Bay of Quinte - 2020 Winners 
> Bruce County - 2019 Winners
> Bruce County (Round 2) - 2020 Winners
> Chatham-Kent - 2020 Winners
> Cornwall & SDG Counties - 2020 Winners
> Northeastern ON - 2019 Winners
> Northwest ON - 2020 Winners
> Sarnia-Lambton - 2020 Winners
> Windsor Essex - 2018 Winners
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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 (special edition programs sometimes have a higher number)

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.

Be inspired! Udderly Ridiculous has launched unique farm life tourism experiences in Oxford County.​

Be inspired! Walnut Grove B&B is developing curated local wine and culinary experiences in Essex County.
​

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

Please contact Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead at info@tourisminnovation.ca or 416-712-8819 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

​We respectfully acknowledge that our home base at the University of Windsor 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 will honour that by collaborating with Indigenous-led organizations and businesses to support the advancement of Indigenous tourism in the region and across Canada.