The application deadline for the Sunshine Coast "Spark" Program is fast approaching! We invite and encourage Sunshine Coast/qathet Region entrepreneurs and innovators to come forward with new tourism ideas that address one or more of the following:

• Create high-quality, low impact tourism experiences that enhance current offerings ​​
• Address gaps in tourism products and services
• Motivate travel, longer stays and repeat visits
• Increase shoulder season visits and tourism spending
• Encourage collaboration between tourism operators

In case you missed our latest Info Session, we now have the recording posted online. 

LEARN MORE and apply by Dec. 12th:
​www.tourisminnovation.ca/SunshineCoast

We're proud to announce the launch of our newest program in British Columbia - Boundary Country "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program! The program is presented by Destination British Columbia and run in collaboration with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Boundary Country Tourism, Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Boundary and Trails to the Boundary.

This program seeks to inspire and support entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profits, and community groups in the Boundary Country to bring their creative ideas for new tourism opportunities, offerings, experiences, or partnerships in the area.

Selected applications will receive a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to bring their tourism idea to life!

LEARN MORE and apply by January 6, 2025:
​www.tourisminnovation.ca/BoundaryCountry​

The Black Tourism "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program application deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 4th!

For this 2nd round, we are looking to spark and support new Black-led tourism ideas and businesses in Ontario’s Southwest and Hamilton Halton Brant regions.

Selected applicants will receive $3,000 in seed funding, $2,000 in tech adoption support and mentorship to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level.

It's not too late! The application is short and simple.

APPLY ONLINE at www.tourisminnovation.ca/BlackTourism

Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and the Tourism Innovation Lab have launched the 5th edition of the Skode Program, this year with a focus on developing Indigenous culinary tourism in the province. 

We are looking to inspire ​Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit organizations and community groups to come forward with new Indigenous culinary tourism ideas and experiences that will authentically represent, celebrate and promote Indigenous food in Ontario.

Selected Finalists will receive mentorship and a $5,000 non-repayable financial contribution to advance their Indigenous culinary tourism businesses and initiatives. One grand prize winner will receive $20,000!

JOIN US for an Info Session on Dec. 12th to learn more and get tips on how to apply. Register here.

Learn more at www.tourisminnovation.ca/ITO

Three Ontario pitch sessions were held in November, with 9 new "Spark" Program winners being selected by our judges. Congratulations!

Bruce County (Round 6) Winners:

• Rebecca Walsh (September Artisan Market)
• Evan Walker Ertl (Borosilicate Flame Working)
• Lisa Holland (Kayakomat, Lake Huron Edition)

London UNESCO City of Music Winners:

• Farrell Tremblay (Winter Folk Music Festival)
• Gina Jashewski (Sensory Sound Fest)
• Jessie Jones (London Soundscapes: Music, Wellness, and Discovery)

Northeastern Ontario (Round 2) Winners:

• Jacob Betker, Abitibi Sled Dogs (Multi-Day Sled Dog Tours)
• Shelly Morrison, NatureBound (Paths & Paddles - A La Vase Portage Experience)
• Sylvie Savage & Jeffrey Snea (The Rustic Treehouse Hideaway Bed & Breakfast)

All will receive mentorships and seed funds to help them develop their new tourism ideas, businesses and initiatives. Stay tuned to our social channels for updates on their progress!

• ​TIAC Tourism Congress (Dec. 3-5, Vancouver)
• Southern Ontario Tourism Conference (Mar. 3-5, Brantford)
• BC Tourism Industry Conference (Mar. 5-7, Vancouver) 

​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.