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.

​The Round 2 Chatham-Kent "Spark" application deadline is March 5.

For more information go to
​www.tourisminnovation.ca/ChathamKent
and register for an upcoming virtual Info Session on February 11 or February 17​.
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Three new cohorts of "Spark" Program winners were announced in December after virtual pitch sessions were held for Bruce County, Cornwall & SDG Counties, and Northwest Ontario. Each will receive a $3,000 grant and be matched with a mentor to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

Bruce County:
- Imran Khan & Shazad Ahmad, Seahawk Watersports (Transparent Kayaks)
- Melony McLay & Serge Marcella, Tamarac Island Inn (Year-Round Retreats)
- Natasha Akiwenzie & Victoria Serda, Bagida'waad Alliance (Indigenous Experiences)

Cornwall & SDG Counties:
- Jakob & Stephanie Vogel (Fields of Gold Agritourism Destination)
- Ky-Lee & Sasha Hansen, Oneida Hospitality Group (Picnic in the Park Events)
- Vanessa Leduc (Cornwall Food Tours)

Northwest Ontario:
- Jake Dove, Cycle Sibley (Sleeping Giant Bike Rental Program)
- Amy Tycholis, Perrault Lake Camp (Nature Oriented Vacation Packages)
- Melissa Gagne, Eaten and Told (Sugerbush Tours & Culinary Experiences)
- Stefan Robinson, Kenora Hospitality Alliance (World's Largest Pond Hockey Tournament/Skating Trail)
- Zack Kruzins, Such A Nice Day Adventures (Seasonal Outdoor Experiences)

Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on their progress. Thanks to all of our regional partners for making the "Spark" Program possible.

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The new year started with another two cohorts of "Spark" Program winners after virtual pitch sessions were held for Oxford County and Windsor Essex. Each will receive a $3,000 grant and be matched with a mentor to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development, along with additional partner support and resources.

Oxford County:
- Aggie Armstrong (Contemporary Art Workshops)
- Cheryl Haskett, Udderly Ridiculous (On-Farm Stress Relieving Experiences)
- Kelly Goodwin (Bike Hub)

Windsor Essex:
- Billy Alexander & Kelleagh Alexander, Caldwell First Nation (Indigenous Culinary Experience)
- Corey Robertson, The Bank Theatre (Spirit Walks at Point Pelee)
- Leslie Meloche, Walnut Grove B&B (Wine & Culinary Experiences)

Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on their progress. Thanks to all of our regional partners for making the "Spark" Program possible.

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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.