Bring your tourism idea to life with the “Spark” Mentorship and Grant Program!

Apply by Oct. 21

Do you have an idea to promote tourism in Vaughan? The Vaughan Spark Mentorship and Grant Program offers an industry mentorship, access to a support network of tourism professionals and the opportunity to get a $3,000 grant.

Eligible applicants for the program include: 

• individuals 18 years or older who live in the city of Vaughan.
• Vaughan-based small businesses (up to 10 full-time, year-round employees).
• Vaughan-based non-profit organizations (up to 10 full-time, year-round employees).

To apply, interested participants must complete an online application form and a one-minute video introducing their innovative tourism idea. Applications for the Vaughan Spark Mentorship and Grants Program are open at tourisminnovation.ca/vaughan until Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The selection process will include a review by a jury, including local and provincial tourism leaders and innovators. Up to three applicants will be selected as winners and receive the mentorship and grant offered through the program.

Selected participants for the program will have the opportunity to pitch a tourism-focused proposal for the chance to turn it into a reality. 

The program contributes to the destination product development pillar of the Council-approved Vaughan Destination Master Plan and supports Vaughan’s tourism community by providing: 

• a three-month tourism industry mentorship.
• a $3,000 grant for the top three pitches selected through the program.
• additional partner support and resources.
• access to a support network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.

For more information on how to apply, join us at an information session on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. The link to register is here. 

Vaughan is the first city in the Greater Toronto Area to launch a “Spark” Mentorship and Grant Program with the Tourism Innovation Lab. 

The Tourism Vaughan Corporation is the official destination development organization for the city of Vaughan with the mission to enhance Vaughan as a destination for tourists and business travellers. The Vaughan “Spark” Mentorship and Grant Program aligns with the City’s commitment to support the tourism and accommodation industry, which falls under the Economic Prosperity and Job Creation priority in the Council-approved 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. 

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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