New Program In Peterborough And The Kawarthas Aims To 'Spark' Innovative Tourism Ideas

A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in Peterborough & the Kawarthas was officially announced on Tuesday. The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants with a mentor and provide a $3,000 seed grant to help take their new tourism idea to the next level.

Photo by Luke Best.

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.

The goal of the Spark program is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits. Program organizers are especially interested in experiential and sustainable tourism ideas that connect with culinary, agritourism, and/or the shoulder season.

Individual entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits and community groups are encouraged to apply with their new tourism ideas for Peterborough & the Kawarthas from May 3 - 31.

Following a juried review process, finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session, where six winners (three from the City of Peterborough and three from the County of Peterborough) will be selected to receive mentorships and grants.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Program is being led by the Tourism Innovation Lab in collaboration with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, and the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City and County of Peterborough.

For more information visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/Peterborough

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.