The application deadline for our Cariboo Chilcotin Coast "Spark" Program is fast approaching, with only a week left until the final submission deadline: Friday, December 3 at 11:59pm PST.

Interested in learning more and submitting your new tourism idea for the area? We are hosting our second and final Info Session today - Thursday, November 25 at 5:00pm PST - covering everything you need to know from program eligibility to application guidelines. Don't forget to register!

We are now accepting province wide applications for the Indigenous Tourism BC "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program! Thanks to our presenting partner Destination BC, along with sponsor TD Bank and collaborative partner Indigenous Tourism BC, we are excited to offer this unique opportunity for all Indigenous entrepreneurs and innovators across British Columbia.

To learn more about the program please visit our website and apply by end of day Friday, December 17th.

https://www.tourisminnovation.ca/ITBC

Don't forget to register for our next Info Session on December 2nd at 5:00pm PST!

Congratulations to our Sea to Sky "Spark" winners who successfully pitched their new tourism ideas:

• Gabe Lawson - Boulder Guides
• Rebecca Mason - Laugh Out Live!
  
• Alicia MacGregor - Mobile Scavenger Hunt

Each will receive $3000, mentorship, plus additional partner support to help take their tourism initiatives to the next level.

Thanks to all of our Sea to Sky "Spark" finalists for making their pitch! We look forward to working with all of them to support the development of exciting new tourism experiences and offerings in the region. Stay tuned for updates on their progress.

Thanks to our review jury, pitch session judge panel and program partners Destination BC, Squamish Tourism, District of Squamish, Tourism Pemberton, Village of Pemberton, Tourism Whistler, Resort Municipality of Whistler, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Indigenous Tourism BC and the Government of British Columbia.

We are excited to launch the sixth "Spark" Program in southwest Ontario - Haldimand & Norfolk! Actually, they are 2 separate programs running in each County, with concurrent and collaborative marketing campaigns. 

Applications are encouraged from individuals, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in Haldimand & Norfolk from November 23rd to January 14th, 2022. Following a juried review process, five finalists from Haldimand County and five finalists from Norfolk County will be invited to virtual Pitch Sessions where three winners will be selected from each.

While there are no specific categories, we are especially interested in new tourism ideas that connect with agritourism, cycling, waterfront, and the winter season.

​The Haldimand & Norfolk “Spark” Program is being led by the Tourism Innovation Lab in collaboration and with support from Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Haldimand County, Norfolk County, Libro Credit Union, Grand Erie Business Centre and Venture Norfolk.

Upcoming Info Sessions:

November 30 @ 5:00pm - REGISTER
December 15 @ 11:30am - REGISTER
January 5 @ 5:00pm - REGISTER

Learn more at www.tourisminnovation.ca/HaldimandNorfolk

Haldimand & Norfolk "Spark" application deadline is January 14, 2022.

Congratulations to our Algoma County "Spark" winners who successfully pitched their new tourism ideas during the Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week:

• Amanda Cora & Brad Robinson, Thrive Tours - Winter Experiences
• Mylène Coulombe-Gratton, Follow Her North - Outdoor Tours
• Tatum & Tory Lesage, Hidden Hills Stables - Equestrian Excursions

Each will receive $3000, mentorship, plus additional partner support to help take their tourism initiatives to the next level.

Thanks to all of our Algoma Country "Spark" finalists for making their pitch! We look forward to working with all of them to support the development of exciting new tourism experiences and offerings in the region. Stay tuned for updates on their progress.

Thanks to our review jury, pitch session judge panel and program partners Destination Northern Ontario, Tourism Excellence North, Algoma Country Tourism, and Tourism Sault Ste. Marie.​

Three tourism entrepreneurs from Bruce County successfully pitched their new tourism ideas for the Bruce Peninsula last night and were each awarded $3,000, mentorship and additional partner support. Congratulations to:

• Caley Patrick Doran, Take-A-Hike Trail & Adventure Guide - Guided Hikes, Indigenous & Conservation Experiences
• Amanda Hutter, Green Feet ecosystem services inc. - Dog Sledding Tours
• Laura Lane - Year-Round Wellness Retreats

Thanks to our partners Bruce County, Bruce Power, Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, Regional Tourism Organization 7, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, and the Town of South Bruce Peninsula for working with us to spark and support tourism innovation in Bruce County and the Bruce Peninsula. 

Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on their progress, and for information on our past Bruce County "Spark" winners.

The "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program​ will be expanding to new regions in 2022. Stay tuned for announcements. 

​Join our "Spark" Mentor Network and support up-and-coming and early stage tourism innovators in Canada by providing advice and guidance to help them take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. Contact us at [email protected]​ for more information on the program and how you can be a mentor.