A fourth round of the Spark Mentorship and Grants Program has been launched in Bruce County to encourage new sustainable tourism ideas for the region.

The program invites entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations to apply and those selected will be provided with a $3,000 grant, mentorship, and additional partner support to help get them started. Past participants have been selected for forest bathing experiences, guided eco tours, both on land on water based; Indigenous tourism experiences, transparent kayak adventures, and winter glamping experiences.

"Organizers are looking for sustainable tourism ideas that will enhance Bruce County’s current tourism offerings, create high-quality, low impact tourism experiences, address gaps in tourism products and services, motivate longer stays and repeat visits, and increase shoulder season visits and tourism spending," read a recent release from the County.

The program is a partnership between Bruce County, Bruce Power, Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7), and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

Applications will be accepted until October 20, 2022. Following a juried review process, finalists will be invited to a pitch session, from which three winners will be selected.

For more information on the program, to download an application, or to register for two upcoming information sessions (September 28 and October 13), visit tourisminnovation.ca/bruce.