Founding Partners Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation and Libro Credit Union have officially launched The “Spark” Program. Its goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and collaborative partnerships that will enhance the region’s current offerings, motivate travel and increase visits. The Lab’s “Spark” Program will match selected participants with a tourism industry mentor and provide a $3,000 grant to help take their idea to the next level of development or implementation. Participants will also gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders, and receive a guide outlining other resources and support services provided by their partners. This is the first program of its kind for tourism development in the province.

The “Spark” Program Application Guide is now online at www.tourisminnnovation.ca. Applications are being accepted until August 1, 2018 from individuals (18 years and older), micro/small businesses (0-10 employees) and non-profit organizations (0-10 employees) based in the City of Windsor and/or the County of Essex.

Selected applicants/program participants will receive:

– 3-month mentorship with a recognized tourism innovator and/or industry mentor
– $3,000 “Spark” grant
– Access to a support network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders
– Guide outlining other resources and support services provided by our partners

All program applicants will be invited to join our “Spark” community of tourism innovators, idea makers, partners and supporters for special networking events, one-on-one’s, and development workshops. Stay tuned for updates!