Spark Program Awards Funding to Bruce County Tourism Innovators

On November 26, Bruce County celebrated local tourism innovators and entrepreneurs for the sixth annual Bruce County Spark Program. Five finalists pitched their innovative and sustainable tourism ideas, and three winners were selected to receive a tourism mentorship and a $3000 grant to help them take their concepts to the next level.

On November 26, Bruce County celebrated local tourism innovators and entrepreneurs for the sixth annual Bruce County Spark Program. Five finalists pitched their innovative and sustainable tourism ideas, and three winners were selected to receive a tourism mentorship and a $3000 grant to help them take their concepts to the next level.

The Bruce County “Spark” Mentorship & Grants Program is a partnership between Bruce County, Bruce Power, Bruce Grey Simcoe Regional Tourism Organization (RTO7), Government of Ontario, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

“Bruce County continues to shine as a hub for innovative tourism ideas. The Tourism Innovation Lab, along with our regional partners, is proud to support these creative thinkers,” says Alex Berlyand from the Tourism Innovation Lab. “We’re eager to see this year’s Bruce County (Round 6) "Spark" Program winners turn their ideas into reality.”

The 2024 Bruce County Spark Grant and Mentorship Program winners are:

  • Rebecca Walsh - September Artisan Market, Sauble Beach
  • Evan Walker Ertl - Saugeen Glass Works, Saugeen First Nation
  • Lisa Holland - Kayakomat, Lake Huron Edition, Kincardine


“The Bruce County Spark Program taps into a wealth of creativity from local entrepreneurs, individuals, small businesses and non-profits,” says Bruce County Warden, Luke Charbonneau. “Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Spark Grant and Mentorship Program.” 

The goal of the “Spark” Program is to find, foster and support new sustainable tourism ideas in Bruce County. The Program exists to nurture new, innovative ideas that enhance current tourism offerings; create high-quality, low impact tourism experiences; address gaps in tourism products and service; motivate longer stays and repeat visits; and increase shoulder season visits and tourism spending. 

“The 2024 Spark Program showcased a range of unique sustainable tourism ideas from across Bruce County,” says Jeff Loney, Economic Development Manager for Bruce County. “It is always a pleasure to see how their ideas transform into reality to help enhance Bruce County’s tourism offerings. We can’t wait to see more innovative ideas in 2025.” 

For more information, visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/bruce.

About Bruce County: Bruce County is an upper-tier municipality in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, made up of 8 lower-tier municipalities and 77,221 residents. The explorers who visit, live, and work here are the dreamers who take roads less travelled and see tried and true as an invitation to try something new. Be an Explorer and call Bruce County home.