“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 great new tourism idea to the next level of development or implementation.

2020-2021 "Spark" Program Regions:
> Bruce County (Round 2) - Application Intake Closed
> Chatham-Kent (Round 2) - Application Intake Closed 
​> Cornwall & SDG Counties - Application Intake Closed
> London - Application Intake Closed
> Northern ON (Special Edition) - Application Intake Closed
> Northwest ON - Application Intake Closed
​> Oxford County - Application Intake Closed
> Windsor Essex (Round 2) - Application Intake Closed

2018-2020 "Spark" Program Regions:
​> Bay of Quinte - 2020 Winners 
> Bruce County - 2019 Winners
> Chatham-Kent - 2020 Winners
> Northeastern ON - 2019 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
• 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
• $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.

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 Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab

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​- Home Base - 
Ontario 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