Last call to ‘spark’ your creative tourism idea in Vaughan

Do you have an innovative tourism idea for visitors to Vaughan? Apply for the Vaughan “Spark” Mentorships and Grants program in partnership with the Tourism Innovation Lab by Wednesday, Jan. 17. Selected participants will be asked to pitch their ideas for the chance to bring them to life with the help of grant funding, mentorship and partner support. 

To be eligible, applicants must be one of the following: 

• an individual 18 years or older who lives in the city of Vaughan. 
• a Vaughan-based small business (with up to 10 full-time, year-round employees).
• a Vaughan-based non-profit organization (with up to 10 full-time, year-round employees).

To apply, submit an application form and a one-minute video online at tourisminnovation.ca/vaughan by Wednesday, Jan. 17.

The selection process will include:

• a review by a jury, including local and provincial tourism leaders and innovators.
• a Finalists’ Pitch Session (a take on a tourism Dragons’ Den) on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

Up to three applicants will be selected as winners and receive mentorship and grant funding offered through the program, including:

• a three-month tourism industry mentorship.
• a $3,000 grant. 
• additional partner support and resources.
• access to a support network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.

For more information about the program and application process, attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. For details and to register, visit tourisminnovation.ca/vaughan. 

In 2022, Vaughan was the first city in the Greater Toronto Area to launch a “Spark” Mentorships and Grants program with the Tourism Innovation Lab. Three tourism ideas were awarded in Vaughan’s 2022 cohort, including: 

• "Really Big Show" Giant Puppet for Events and Festivals – Steve Schnier, Vujade Entertainment Inc.
• Photobioreactor Prototype using Microalgae for Regenerative Tourism Installations – Leila Azimian, Bio-Stat-Green Consulting.
• Outdoor Multimedia Experience at the Dance Together Festival – Monica Pain and Katya Kuznetsova, York Region Arts Council.
  
   

The “Spark” Mentorships and Grants program aligns with the Council-approved Vaughan Destination Master Plan (PDF), supporting Vaughan’s tourism community through destination development. For details, visit tourisminnovation.ca/vaughan.

The Tourism Vaughan Corporation is the official destination development organization for the City of Vaughan with a mission to enhance Vaughan as a destination for tourists and business travellers.

To stay informed on the City’s latest tourism, business resources and initiatives, sign up for the Economic Development department’s eNewsletters at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters and follow the official channels on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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