“Spark" Program: Mentorships & Grants

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 innovation mentor and provide a source of financial support to help take your great new tourism idea to the next level of development or implementation.

2019 "Spark" Program Regions*:

Bruce County - Application Deadline: September 9, 2019
Bay of Quinte - To Be Announced
Mississauga - To Be Announced
Northeastern Ontario - To Be Announced
Windsor Essex - 2018 Winners; Round 2 To Be Announced
*Stay tuned for updates on additional regions.
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The 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
• Finalists Pitch Session
• Selection of 3 program participants in each participating region

Selected applicants will receive:

• 3 month mentorship with a recognized tourism innovator and/or industry expert
• $3,000 "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.

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