Peterborough & The Kawarthas Award Grants And Mentorships To Promote New Tourism Ideas Through Spark Program

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism and the Tourism Innovation Lab have announced six entrepreneurs awarded grants and mentorships to help spark new tourism ideas through the “Spark” program.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between the Tourism Innovation Lab, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism.

The program’s goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits in the region.

This year sixteen applications were received from the city and county of Peterborough.

The top five from the City of Peterborough and the top five from the County of Peterborough being invited to present their new tourism ideas at virtual Pitch Sessions held this week.

Judge panels of local partner representatives and tourism innovators from outside the region selected the six winning applicants.

Successful applicants were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.

The 2022 City of Peterborough “Spark” Program winners are:

  • Kassy Scott, Rare Escape

  • Polina Ratnichkina, Camp Rentique

  • Luke Farley, Big Top Productions (Buskers Fest)

The 2022 County of Peterborough “Spark” Program winners are:

  • Sarah Heydon, The Pearly Acre (Bunkie Resort)

  • Jeremy Poulin, Red Mill Maple Syrup

  • Robyn Ivory Pierson, Indigenously Infused

“It's a privilege to work with these six local tourism innovators and our team looks forward to assisting and promoting these businesses as they grow. We are excited by the prospect of supporting the development of new tourism products which will add more attractive options for visitors to our region,” said Joe Rees Director of Tourism, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.

In addition to seed funds, mentorship and additional partner support, selected applicants gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the province.

For more information visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/Peterborough.

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