Do you have a new tourism idea for Chatham-Kent? The second round of the "Spark" Program in the region has been launched, and we are encouraging CK entrepreneurs, small businesses, community groups and non-profits to apply. Need inspiration? Watch the announcement video.

“We continue to work hard with the winners from the first round of “Spark” as we create experiential tourism offerings. With COVID-19 impacting large scale tourism offerings, more intimate experiences and those with a digital component are needed now more than ever. This program gives recipients the opportunity to explore these further and will help them position their tourism offerings for the future” says Shannon Paiva, Tourism Supervisor with the Municipality’s Community Attraction Promotion division.

In addition to having the chance to win a $3,000 "Spark" grant and mentorship, all finalists will receive in-kind vouchers to the SOAR Innovation co-working space in downtown Chatham, and one will be selected to receive a digital services support package from WEtech Alliance and Digital Main Street.
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​The Chatham-Kent (Round 2) "Spark" Program application deadline is March 5th.

For more information go to
​www.tourisminnovation.ca/ChathamKent​

Congratulations to our London "Spark" Program winners:

- Daniel Bennett & Lauren Rebelo, Curveball Creative ("Love Text" Street Art Projection Experience)
- Katelyn Landry, Fôrij Thrills (Rewilding Experiences/Events)
- Malvin Wright, Wright of Way Consultancy (African, Black Caribbean (ABC) Food Week)

Each will receive a $3000 grant and mentorship to help them take their tourism initiatives to the next level. We are excited to work with them to launch exciting tourism experiences in the Forest City!

Thanks to all of our finalists who pitched new tourism ideas at the virtual session on February 3rd. We are inspired by your passion and creativity.

Thanks to our program partners Tourism London, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Leap Junction, London Economic Development Corporation, and TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario for collaborating with us to spark tourism innovation in the region.

Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on their progress.

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The Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab, Destination Northern Ontario, and Tourism Excellence North have launched a Special Edition "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program for Northern Ontario. Watch the announcement video.

Existing small businesses based in the North are encouraged to submit applications with innovative ideas on how they could RE-IMAGINE or EXPAND their tourism offerings, products and services to attract new markets and visitors.

“Innovation is key to industry competitiveness and success. It is more important now than ever to enable the region’s tourism entrepreneurs, businesses and operators to respond, adapt and recover as a result of the global COVID-19 crisis” said David MacLachlan, Executive Director, Destination Northern Ontario.

Selected applicants will each receive a $3,000 grant, mentorship, and an in-kind bundle of support services from Tourism Excellence North valued at up to $9,500.

Register for an online Info Session being held on Tuesday, March 9th at 11:30am-12:15pm to learn more.
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The Northern Ontario Special Edition "Spark" Program application deadline is March 19th.

For more information go to
www.tourisminnovation.ca/NorthernOntario

The "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program​ will be expanding to new regions across Ontario in 2021. Stay tuned for announcements. 
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​Join our "Spark" Mentor Network and support up-and-coming and early stage tourism innovators in Ontario 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.