Inspiring tourism innovation in Sault Ste. Marie
A program designed to spur innovation in the tourism sector is being brought to Sault Ste. Marie.
Destination Northern Ontario is launching the Spark program in the city, which looks to give successful applicants with new ideas for their business $3,000 in funding and connect them with mentors.
"Basically, it is almost a Dragon's Den-style pitch session," said Stephanie Hopkin, the senior coordinator of marketing and communications for Destination Northern Ontario. "Before that, there's a series of applications that come in where we vet who are the best finalists."
One of those who already gave their best pitch is Erica Hogan at Hogan's Homestead. The maple syrup producer said she's looking to create do-it-yourself sugar shacks with the funds, with the hopes of expanding the tourism side of her business.
"If the pandemic has taught us anything, people are open to trying more things and doing more family-related activities," Hogan said. "We've been able to use that $3,000 in order to purchase new equipment to build these really fun sugar shacks that you can come and rent and make your own maple syrup right on our property with the help of our team."
Business owners are asked to apply before Oct. 19.
After that, a small group of finalists will be selected for a virtual pitch session, with the top three being accepted into the program.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.