“Spark” Program

Applicant’s Guide

Kris Cu Nature Photography – 2023 Winner – Surrey, BC

The “Spark” Program matches selected candidates with a mentor and provides seed funds to help take new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

On this page you’ll find information about the application process, and tips to help you put your best foot forward. Please note that some requirements and offerings may change from program to program. Make sure to carefully review the details of the specific program you’re applying to.

See all Active Programs

Matthew Larivee, Foxfire Heritage Farm, Powassan, Ontario. 2021 “Spark” Participant.

How “Spark” Applications Work:

Click on the application element to be taken directly to the details

Stage One

Everyone interested in participating in the “Spark” program must complete and submit both of the following in order to be considered for Stage Two

10 Answers

To questions about you and your idea

60 Seconds

Of video recorded on your phone

Stage Two

After review by our application jury, a shortlist of finalists are invited to participate in our live pitch session

Pitch

Your project to a panel of judges

Respond

To questions from the judging panel

Finalists are offered a virtual coaching session ahead of their live pitch. Pitch sessions are held virtually or in-person, depending on the program. Check specific program details for more information.

Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry, Windsor, Ontario. 2018 “Spark” Participant.

Preparing your written application

Current Programs

Test Current “Spark” Program

Below is a list of the standard questions you’ll see on the application. However, some of our programs have a few extra questions tailored to their specific theme. To see the exact list for the grant you’re applying to, visit its info page for a downloadable version.

We highly recommend writing your responses in a separate document (like Word or Google Docs) and copying them into the application form when you’re ready to submit.

All questions have a character limit. These limits include spaces. Keep this in mind when drafting your responses to avoid last-minute trimming.

AI is a great tool for brainstorming ideas and phrasing, but don’t let it take over your application! We appreciate the imperfections of humanity.

Standard Application Questions

Section A: About You

Question	Guidance
Applicant name (first and last)*	If applying on behalf of a business, organization, or group, enter the name of the person who will be the main contact
Business/ Organization/Project name*	If applying as an individual, provide a name for your project. Otherwise, list the name of your business, organization, or group.
Business/ Organization/Project website	A public social media page is acceptable. This question is not required.
Phone number*	Recommend using a direct number for the person listed above. This is how TIL staff will contact you with news about your application.
Email address*	Recommend using a direct contact for the person listed above (rather than a generic company email). This is how TIL staff will contact you with news about your application.

Section B: About Your project

* indicates a required question
All questions have a 500 character limit (roughly 3 – 4 short sentences), unless otherwise specified

	Question	Guidance
1	Tell us about yourself, your small business, community group, or non-profit organization.*	Tell us what you do and what you’re passionate about. Share information about your background, current activities, or anything else that will help us to get a sense of who you are.
2	Describe your new tourism idea.* 1,000 character limit	Tell us what you dream about building, offering, or creating.
3	How is your idea innovative or unique?*	Let us know whether you’re introducing a completely new concept or putting a fresh spin on something existing. Think about why a visitor might choose your product or experience over another.
4	What stage are you at with your idea?*	Be honest about your progress! We welcome brand new ideas that are barely out of the starting gate.
5	What challenges are you encountering with your idea?*	Share examples of what is preventing you from moving your project forward – think about funding, timing, or administrative hurdles, as well as anything else that’s holding you back.
6	Who is your ideal visitor or customer?*	Write about the people you imagine enjoying your final experience or product.
7	Who would make an ideal community partner?*	We can get more done together! So tell us, if you could get anyone else involved in your project who would it be? Think about businesses, community groups, even government. No ambition is too high!
8	What is the approximate total cost of your project?*	This doesn’t need to be perfect. Just give us your best estimate of what it would cost to bring this idea to life.
9	If selected, how would you utilize the seed funds?*	No spreadsheet required, we just want a sense of where the money would go.
10	What do you hope to achieve with this idea?*	Think about the ripple effect of your project, and tell us about how the future will be better because of it.

Filming your video submission

This is always the review jury’s favourite part of the application. It helps them get a feel for the people behind all of the great ideas that are submitted.

Don’t overthink this part – we aren’t looking for flashy graphics or expert camera work. We just want to see your face and hear your ideas in your own words.

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

Videos that have been edited or that contain extra production elements (such as green screen or titles) will not be considered.

Embed example video here

Requirements

All applications must include a video in order to be considered
Video must be between 30 and 60 seconds
Videos that have been edited or include extra production elements (such as green screen or titles) will not be considered
details on submission options

Recommendations

Keep it simple – use your phone!
Plan what you’re going to say ahead of time
Record multiple takes and submit the best one
Watch the video before uploading – make sure the audio is clear and your face can be seen
Use this time to introduce yourself, your small business/organization/non-profit, and your new tourism idea.

Getting Ready to Pitch

Finalists chosen to participate in the live pitch session will be notified at least one week in advance. The date for each program’s pitch session is available on it’s details page.

When we let you know you’ve made it to the next step, TIL staff will also give you an option to schedule a one-on-one prep session. During this 30-minute video call, we’ll share information and offer advice, including:

What to expect during the live pitch
Tips for preparing answers to the judge’s questions
How to use Zoom video conferencing software

FAQs

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

Definitions & Examples

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).

Your Application & 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.

Hackforge & the Tourism Innovation Lab are located in the University of Windsor’s Advanced Computing Hub

300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
N9A 7B4

info@hackf.org
888-960-7641 ext. 4

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