​Bruce County tourism innovators receive funds from Spark Program

Bruce County celebrated local tourism innovators and entrepreneurs for the sixth annual Bruce County Spark Program, Nov. 26.

Five finalists pitched their innovative and sustainable tourism ideas, and three winners were selected to receive a tourism mentorship and a $3,000 grant to help take their concepts to the next level.

The Bruce County “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program is a partnership among Bruce County, Bruce Power, the Bruce Grey Simcoe Regional Tourism Organization (RTO7), Government of Ontario, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

“Bruce County continues to shine as a hub for innovative tourism ideas,” said Alex Berlyand of the Tourism Innovation Lab. “We, along with our regional partners, are proud to support these creative thinkers. We’re eager to see this year’s Bruce County (Round 6) "Spark" Program winners turn their ideas into reality.”

The 2024 winners are:
 

• Lisa Holland - Kayakomat, Lake Huron Edition, Kincardine
• Rebecca Walsh - September Artisan Market, Sauble Beach
• Evan Walker Ertl - Saugeen Glass Works, Saugeen First Nation

“The Bruce County Spark Program taps into a wealth of creativity from local entrepreneurs, individuals, small businesses and non-profits,” said county warden Luke Charbonneau. “Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Spark Grant and Mentorship Program.”

The goal of the “Spark” Program is to find, foster and support new sustainable tourism ideas in Bruce County. The program exists to nurture new, innovative ideas that enhance current tourism offerings; create high-quality, low-impact tourism experiences; address gaps in tourism products and service; motivate longer stays and repeat visits; and increase shoulder season visits and tourism spending.

“The 2024 Spark Program showcased a range of unique sustainable tourism ideas from across Bruce County,” said Jeff Loney, Bruce County economic development manager. “It is always a pleasure to see how their ideas transform into reality to help enhance the county’s tourism offerings. We can’t wait to see more innovative ideas in 2025.”

For more information, visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/bruce.