Program investing in local tourism

Managers of a tourism program are encouraging businesses and entrepreneurs to create new travel ideas. 

The Spark Mentorship and Grants Program, started in 2018, awards three applicants who pitch the best tourism ideas in a designated region each year. Winnings include a $3,000 grant, three-month mentorships and ongoing access to support networks.  

Justin Lafontaine is the program lead for the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab, a non-profit initiative which created the program. He said it is still drawing applicants despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. 

“We’ve been seeing a lot of interest among our partners and other small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to adapt in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Lafontaine said.  

The program has grown to encourage tourism in at least eight different regions of Ontario. It has also created over 125 tourism ideas and funded 28 tourism entrepreneurs.

A community partner to the Spark Program is Libro Credit Union. Regional Manager Lori Atkinson said the program’s mentorship reward helps the company share its values of teaching. 

 “Libro is a huge proponent of coaching and mentoring not only our own customers, but businesses in the region and our tourism operators,” said Atkinson.

Michael Difazio is the owner of Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry, a furniture company located at 1023 Drouillard Rd. He is also a past winner of the first Spark Program.  

His winning pitch was to run workshops where he involves attendees in building various carpentry projects, something he continues today. He said one of the rewards developed his initial plan. 

“The mentorship taught me the fundamentals of creating an experience over just hosting a workshop. They’re two totally different things,” said Difazio. 

Anyone with an idea can apply at www.tourisminnovation.ca until the Nov. 30 deadline.