An independent registry of Northern Ontario funding Data updated Aug 17, 2026 · CC-BY-4.0
Northern Ontario Grants
Next intake not announced

Spark Mentorships & Grants Program (Northern Ontario)

by Destination Northern Ontario (RTO13)

Also known as: Northeastern Ontario Spark Program · Northwestern Ontario Spark Program · Tourism Innovation Lab Spark

Spark gives winners of its regional pitch calls a $3,000 seed grant plus a matched tourism-industry mentor to launch a NEW tourism experience in Northern Ontario (reported figures, the Tourism Innovation Lab site could not be verified directly today). Open to individuals 18+ and small businesses or non-profits with 10 or fewer employees. Delivered with Destination Northern Ontario, Tourism Excellence North and regional DMOs in recurring Northeastern and Northwestern Ontario editions.

Amount
Up to $3,000

northernontariobusiness.com · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending

Instrument
Grant (non-repayable)
Status
Next intake not announced watch this page or subscribe to the calendar
Who qualifies
Individual, small business, nonprofit
  • Applicants 18+
  • Small businesses and non-profits with 10 employees or fewer
  • Must propose a NEW tourism experience, product or service in the edition's region (Northeastern or Northwestern Ontario editions run separately)

northernontariobusiness.com · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending

Application process

  1. Submit application during a regional call
  2. Shortlisted applicants pitch their idea
  3. Selected winners receive the $3,000 grant, a matched mentor, and partner support

northernontariobusiness.com · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending

Common questions

Who runs Spark?

The Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab, in partnership with Destination Northern Ontario, Tourism Excellence North and regional partners such as Northeastern Ontario Tourism, Tourism North Bay, Sudbury Tourism and Tourism Timmins.

What does a winner actually get?

A $3,000 seed grant, a matched mentor from the tourism industry, and access to a support network of tourism innovators and partners (reported; confirm with the current call's materials).

Can an existing business apply?

Yes, established small businesses and non-profits with 10 or fewer employees qualify, as do individuals 18+, but the idea itself must be a new tourism product, experience or service.

When is the next intake?

Spark runs periodic regional calls, not a continuous intake. Check Destination Northern Ontario and your regional DMO for the current Northeastern or Northwestern Ontario round.

Apply

Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there:

tourisminnovation.ca