Spark Program Launches In Oxford County

Thursday, 15 October 2020 05:36

The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program aims to support innovative tourism ideas throughout the County. For those interested in applying, you're encouraged to submit your application by November 20th.

OXFORD COUNTY - The new Spark program has officially launched in Oxford County.

In a digital announcement on Tuesday, The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program aims to support innovative tourism ideas throughout the County.

It will match selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provide a grant of $3,000 to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

The goal of Spark is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships that will enhance the what's currently being offered in the region, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays and increase visits year-round.

The program’s partners are looking for people who are passionate and creative that want to share their story and celebrate community through new tourism ventures.

They're looking for people especially interested in ideas that connect with the arts, culture & heritage (e.g., historic venue activations), cycling (e.g., guided bike tours) and the outdoors (e.g., ecoadventures) and that are aligned with Oxford County's commitment to sustainability.

Individuals, small businesses and non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit their applications between now and November 20th. After the applications are reviewed, the top applicants will then be invited to a Finalists’ Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The Oxford County “Spark” Program is led by the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab and they have collaborated with a number of partners, including the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport Tourism & Culture Industries and Tourism Oxford.

To date, the County is one of ten regions across Ontario to have launched the program.

You can visit here to learn more information on the program, including on how to apply and info sessions.