Bruce County ‘Spark’ program returns to fuel local tourism innovation

Bruce County, in partnership with Bruce Power, Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7) and the Tourism Innovation Lab, is inviting local entrepreneurs and community organizations to apply for the eighth edition of the Bruce County Spark Mentorship and Grants Program.  

The program supports innovative tourism ideas that enhance visitor experiences across Bruce County. Successful applicants will receive $3,000 in seed funding, three months of one-on-one mentorship from an experienced tourism leader, and access to industry connections to help bring their ideas to life. Applications are open until November 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. 

Since launching in 2019, the program has awarded more than $60,000 in funding to 21 local tourism projects across Bruce County. Previous recipients include the Kincardine Art Crawl as well as Sally's Kitchen Food Truck, which officially launched at Saugeen Beach earlier this year. 

"Some of Bruce County's most successful tourism experiences started as ideas from people who saw an opportunity to showcase their community in a new way," says Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau. "The Spark Program helps create a pathway for those ideas to grow, giving local innovators the chance to shape the future of tourism in our region." 

Priority will be given to projects that create new attractions and experiences, encourage longer stays and attract more visitors outside the busy summer season. Applicants may come from businesses, not-for-profit organizations and community groups looking to launch or expand tourism-focused initiatives. 

"Year after year, entrepreneurs from across Bruce County propose fresh initiatives that make the region such an inviting destination for visitors," says Lauren Hedges, Managing Director at Tourism Innovation Lab. "The Spark program champions inventive, authentic travel experiences – and Bruce County is full of them. We can't wait to see what participants come up with this time." 

Shortlisted applicants will present their ideas during a virtual pitch session on November 26, 2026, and a panel will select three winning projects. 

"Bruce Power is proud to support the Spark Program because it helps turn innovative ideas into opportunities that strengthen our regional economy," says Maggie Tieman, Director of Community and External Affairs at Bruce Power. "Tourism plays an important role in showcasing all that Bruce County has to offer, and this program provides entrepreneurs with the mentorship, resources and support needed to bring new experiences to life. We look forward to seeing the next generation of tourism innovators help create lasting economic and community benefits across the region." 

Developing tourism experiences that appeal to visitors year-round helps showcase different sides of Bruce County while supporting businesses beyond the busy summer season. 

“Great destinations are built by people who see possibility and have the support to act on it," says Minerva Ward, Executive Director of Regional Tourism Organization 7. "The Spark program helps turn bold local ideas into compelling visitor experiences that strengthen communities, encourage longer stays and create new reasons to explore Bruce County throughout the year." 

Program details and eligibility requirements are available at spark.tourisminnovation.ca/bruce-county.