Tourism officials used the opportunity at the International Plowing Match to help spark interest in small business and non-profit organizations.
Destination Northern Ontario and the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab made an announcement Thursday about the creation of the Spark Mentorships and Grants Program.
It will match applicants with a tourism innovation mentor and provide them with a grant to take their tourism idea to the next level of development.
Justin Lafontaine is the program lead for Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab.
“Essentially, we’re doing a call out today across northeastern Ontario to ask people what their new tourism idea is for the region, something that will benefit the region, enhance our current offerings, maybe have a new twist on an event or an experience. So, really anyone across northeastern Ontario can apply,” said Lafontaine.
Timiskaming-Cochrane NDP MPP John Vanthof says the partnership will help create new opportunities.
“It’s teaming experience with new ideas, and that with putting these two streams together; you’re going to get these ideas. Plus, a lot of operators, a lot of tourism experts, will see things with a different light and it’s bound to create new experiences,” said Vanthof.
Applications are now being accepted through the innovation lab’s website.
