New Program Offers Grants and Mentorships to “Spark” New Tourism Ideas for Middlesex County

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This September, a new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in Middlesex County was introduced. The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants with a mentor and provide a $3,000 seed grant to help them get started with their new tourism idea.

The “Spark” Program was first launched in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab, and has now been delivered in over 20 regions across Ontario and British Columbia. Its goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will address one or more of the following: enhance current tourism offerings, create high-quality tourism experiences, address gaps in tourism products and services, motivate longer stays and repeat visits, increase year-round/shoulder season visits and tourism spending, and address sustainable tourism practices.

The Middlesex County “Spark” Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between Middlesex County, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

Program organizers are especially interested in new tourism ideas that relate to year-round accommodations, building relationships and collaborations between culinary tourism and agricultural providers, and recreational and sport tourism.

“We are grateful for the partnership from Ontario’s Southwest Tourism Corporation and Tourism Innovation Lab that has allowed us to present such a generous and unique opportunity to those looking to strengthen our tourism sector with adventurous ideas for new experiences in Middlesex County,” says Cara Finn, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Middlesex County.

“Tourism boosts the revenue of the economy, supports local storytellers, and provides a place for community growth. Ontario’s Southwest is proud to partner with the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab and Middlesex County to support local entrepreneurs and business owners in the development of their new tourism idea,” says Kelleagh Alexander, Tourism Development Manager, Ontario’s Southwest Tourism Corporation.

“We are very excited to be launching the “Spark” Program in Middlesex County. Innovative tourism ideas brought forward by entrepreneurs, small businesses and organizations will enhance Middlesex County’s range of tourism offerings and experiences and inspire travel to the region,” says Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab.

Individuals 18+, entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profit organizations and community groups are encouraged to apply with their new tourism ideas for Middlesex County until October 26th. Following a juried review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected to receive mentorships and grants.

For more information and to register for our upcoming info session on October 18th, visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/middlesex