Deadline: 18-Jan-23
Applications are now open for the Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (BC) “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program.
The goal is to inspire Indigenous entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations to come forward with creative ideas that will generate new tourism opportunities, experiences and partnerships in the area.
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. The “Spark” Program will match selected candidates with a tourism mentor and provide a source of financial support to help take your great new tourism idea to the next level of development or implementation.
The program includes
- Call out for applications from individuals, small businesses and non-profits
- Application reviews by a jury including local and provincial tourism innovators and leaders
- Finalists’ Pitch Session (the friendly take on a tourism Dragon’s Den)
- Selection of 3 winning applicants
Benefits
- Selected applicants will receive:
- 3 month mentorship with a tourism innovator, experienced operator, industry leader and/or sector expert
- $5,000 “Spark” grant to support tourism idea development activities
- Access to a support network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders
- Ongoing guidance on other resources and support services provided by partners
- All program applicants will be invited to join the “Spark” community of tourism innovators, partners and supporters for special networking events, one-on-one’s, and development workshops.
What Are They Looking For?
New tourism ideas that address one or more of the following:
- Enhances current tourism offerings
- Creates new, high-quality tourism experiences
- Addresses gaps in tourism products and services
- Motivates travel, longer stays and repeat visits
- Increases visitation and tourism spending
Eligibility Criteria
- Indigenous individuals aged 18+ in BC with a tourism business idea
- Small businesses – new or existing – with up to 10 full-time year-round employees, that are 51%+ Indigenous-owned, operated and controlled. These may be in development, start-up or expansion phase.
- Small non-profit organizations – new or existing – with up to 10 full-time year-round employees, and community groups based in British Columbia, that are 51%+ Indigenous-owned, operated and controlled
For more information, visit Indigenous Tourism BC.