Applicant’s Guide Ontario Programs B.C. Programs

Whether you are an individual, a start-up or an established small business or non-profit organization, there can be many challenges and barriers to bringing a new tourism idea, experience or partnership to fruition. 

​We want to help. The “Spark” Program will match selected candidates with a tourism mentor and provide seed funds to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

All program applicants will be invited to join our “Spark” community of tourism innovators, idea makers, partners and supporters for special networking events, one-on-one’s, and development workshops.

IMPORTANT: A full application will be considered only when both the document and video (1 minute maximum) are received. Incomplete applications or applications that are above the maximum word/time limits will not be reviewed.

There are two parts to this application

1. Written answers to the questions listed below

2. A one-minute unedited, unproduced video

We recommend writing all answers and shooting the video before beginning to fill out the digital application form.

For the best experience completing this application, we recommend drafting your grant responses in a separate document, and pasting them into the digital application form once they have all been written.

The section below lists all of the questions that will be asked in the digital application form. They can also be downloaded as a word document here. 

All questions have a character limit. These limits include spaces. Please keep this in mind when drafting your responses! This tool will tell you the number of characters, including spaces, of any text put into it. 

These questions can also be downloaded as a word document here. 

Questions marked with * are required

1. What “SPARK” region are you applying to? *

2. Contact information

  • Name:*
  • Phone number:*
  • Email:*
  • Business/organization name:*
  • Website:

3. Tell us about yourself, your small business or non-profit organization.* (500 character limit)

4. What is the title of your new tourism idea? * (50 character limit)

5. Describe your new tourism idea for your region. * (1000 character limit)

6. How is your idea innovative or unique?* (500 character limit)

7. What stage are you at with your idea?* (500 character limit)

8. Who are your target market(s) and/or partner(s)?* (500 character limit)

9. How does your tourism idea advance sustainability efforts in the region?* (500 character limit)

10. How does your tourism idea support diversity, equity, and inclusion?* (500 characters)

11. How would you utilize the mentorship and seed funds if selected?* (500 character limit)

12. What are your desired outcomes and impacts?* (500 character limit)

Please note that some applications may include a self-identification question.

All applications must include a video in order to be considered. 

The maximum video length is 1 minute. Use this time to introduce yourself, your small business/organization/non-profit, and your new tourism idea.

Videos that have been edited or that include extra production features (e.g. greenscreen, titles, etc.) will not be considered, and the application will be considered incomplete. 

Videos can be uploaded to Dropbox using the link provided in the application form.

Keep it simple – use your smartphone! 

Plan what you’re going to say in the video ahead of time.

Do multiple takes and submit the best one.

Watch the video before uploading – make sure the audio is clear and your face can be seen.

If sending a link, test that it works before submitting the form.

If sending a Youtube link, consider marking it as “unlisted” so others cannot find it 

FAQ’s

Experiences, products and partnerships that motivate travel to and in your region by people living more than 40km away, across the border or internationally, and provide engagement, participation, purchasing and/or travel related opportunities while they are visiting. 

Tourism experiences, products, businesses and partnerships that are in the ideation stage, have just been created, are under development, or have been promoted/offered publicly for 6 months or less.

We are looking for new tourism ideas  that address one or more of the following:

  • Enhance current tourism offerings
  • Create high-quality tourism experiences
  • Address gaps in tourism products and services
  • Motivate longer stays and repeat visits
  • Increase year-round visits and tourism spending 

New tourism ideas must be based in and benefit the application region. While there are no specific categories, we are especially interested in new tourism ideas that connect with: accommodations, cultural tours, culinary experiences, guided tours for cruise ship passengers, Indigenous experiences, and new festivals & events.

Other tourism definitions and examples

Opportunities for visitors to engage, participate, interact, learn and explore in a region to get a local understanding and broader awareness of a destination, often combining different elements (eg. farmers market tour followed by a culinary class led by a local chef).   

Two or more businesses/organizations working together to promote and/or deliver a new tourism related experience or product (eg., Metro Zoo + Cycling Group = “Jungle Ride” event).

Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. – World Tourism Organization. Click here for more information and examples.

Diversity is about our many differences – like skin colour, culture, sexual orientation, family status, ability, etc. Inclusion is a feeling, and comes from actively creating a space where we feel like we are welcome, safe, and that we belong. Equity is about recognizing that our diversity means we all have different needs, and creating experiences with this in mind – so everyone can participate and have access, and feel that sense of inclusion, safety, and belonging when they do. Our goal is for the tourism sector to better reflect diversity, equity and inclusion in terms of who designs experiences, and who enjoys them. – Annemarie Shrouder, DEI Advisor

Your Application and Personal Information

By submitting an application you agree that all of the information contained in your application is complete and accurate. You also consent that the Tourism Innovation Lab and partners may collect the personal information contained herein within the application review process and for future program related communications. Your application will be kept confidential during the review period. All review jury and judge panel decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

All grant recipients are subject to our Terms and Conditions.