What's New IN THE LAb
NOVEMBER 2022

Updates

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Northern BC "Spark" Program

Picture

Register for our next Info Session on  November 24 at 5:00pm PST  to learn more on how you can apply to win a $3,000 grant + mentorship. We can help bring your new tourism idea to life! The application deadline is December 6.

For more information visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/NorthernBC.
​​



New Strategic Partnership with TIABC

The Lab and the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership to foster and inspire tourism innovation and entrepreneurs in British Columbia.

TIABC and the Tourism Innovation Lab have a shared vision of promoting tourism and economic development across British Columbia, elevating and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, connecting the private and public sectors, and encouraging more tourism entrepreneurship and innovation in the sector.

To learn more about this partnership, please visit the official media release here.

ONTARIO

2SLGBTQ+ "Spark" Program Launched in Southern Ontario

Picture

​Do you identify as 2SLGBTQ+, live in Southern Ontario, and have a new tourism idea? If so, we want to hear from you!

Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and the Tourism Innovation Lab have partnered to launch a 2SLGBTQ+ "Spark" Program in Southern Ontario.

We are looking for new 2SLGBTQ+ led tourism ideas from individuals, small businesses and community organizations. Selected applicants will each receive $5,000 in services, mentorship and a CGLCC support package to help them get started. 

For more information visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/2SLGBTQ. 
Apply by November 17!

Vaughan "Spark" Program

Picture


The Tourism Innovation Lab, Visit Vaughan and the City of Vaughan Economic Development are excited to be offering the first "Spark" Program in the GTA!

We are looking for new tourism business, experience or program ideas for the city. Selected applicants will receive a $3,000 seed grant, mentorship and additional partner support to help get them started.  

For more information visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/Vaughan.
Apply by November 24! 

Hackforge and the Tourism Innovation Lab are now Rainbow Registered!

Picture


We are very proud to announce that Hackforge, the parent organization of the Tourism Innovation Lab, is now Rainbow Registered! 

Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for LGBT+ friendly businesses and organizations recently launched by Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and Tourism HR Canada. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure LGBT+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

Learn more about the Rainbow Registered program. 

More "Spark" Regions coming in 2023

The "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program​ will be expanding to new regions in British Columbia and Ontario 2023. Stay tuned for announcements. 

Building Mentorship in Canada's Tourism Sector

Are you a recognized tourism innovator, successful entrepreneur, experienced operator and/or sector expert?


​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.

Visit Our Site

What's Your New Tourism Idea?

www.tourisminnovation.ca

FOLLOW US