“Spark” Mentorship & Grant Program
Turn Your Tourism Idea Into Reality
$3,000 in seed funding. A mentor matched to your business. One application.
Grassroots Farm Life, 2023 "Spark" Winners, Bruce County, Ontario
Every year millions of people travel to The Grotto, Sauble Beach, and Flowerpot Island. But there’s so much more to Bruce County, and we want to help you showcase it.
Share your idea for a new attraction, product, or adventure - something that gives visitors another reason to stop, stay, and return - and we just might help you bring it to life.
You do not need to have a business plan. In fact, you don’t even need to have everything figured out! The “Spark” Program loves to support first-time entrepreneurs and existing small businesses with new ideas.
If you've got an attraction, product or adventure that gives visitors something new to do, see, or experience in Bruce County, this program was built for you.
“Spark” Wants Ideas That:
- Create high-quality visitor experiences
- Fill gaps in current products and services in Bruce County
- Encourage longer stays and repeat visits
- Increase off-season tourism and spending
- Demonstrate genuine sustainability
It’s great to feel so supported, and have the opportunity to pull from your wisdom. Really been appreciative of the conversations I had with [my mentor]. It’s a very supportive program.
— Phil Moddle, Arrowwood Farm & Events, Middlesex, 2025
Eligibility:
Want to prepare before you apply?
Download the “Spark” Application Quick-Start Guide for step-by-step directions through the process
$3,000 and Expert Guidance
$3,000 Funding
Financial support to move your idea from concept to reality. How you use it is your choice: materials, marketing, permits, and beyond!
A Matched Mentor
“Spark” pairs you with an industry expert suited to your specific business, not a generic advisor.
Community
Become part of a nation-wide network of tourism organizations, entrepreneurs, and “Spark” winners.
Hear From Bruce County "Spark" Winners
The grant was really the "Spark" for moving into the shoulder season — I was able to winterize one of our bunkies and go from summer-only to open year-round.
— Dreamers Writing Farm, 2019 Bruce County Winner
The mentorship was amazing — being able to talk to industry-specific leaders and other women in the area who are thriving in it. The financing was essential to get a spot on the main beach and start participating in the community.
— iSUP Saugeen, 2022 Bruce County Winner
Fast, Easy Application
Part A
6 questions about you
Part B
10 questions about your idea
Part C
A 60-second unedited video
After initial applications are reviewed by our jury, a shortlist of selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of judges.
Want to prepare before you apply?
Learn more about the application and pitch process in the “Spark” Application Quick-Start Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Download the Quick Start Guide!
This guide is the fastest, easiest way to apply for your $3,000 grant! It also points out common reasons why some applications don't make the cut...
Follow along at your own pace, fill out the questions, then copy your answers into the official application (link at the end of the guide) when you're ready.
Fill out the info below to get your copy of the 2026 "Spark" Quick Start Guide!