Three entrepreneurs who made winning pitches for the Oxford County “Spark” program were each awarded a $3,000 grant and a tourism mentorship to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a partnership between the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Tourism Oxford, and Community Futures Oxford. Its 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.

The top five applicants to the “Spark” program were invited to present their new tourism idea at a virtual Pitch Session held on January 7. A judging panel of partner representatives and tourism entrepreneurs from Oxford County and outside the region selected the three winning applicants.

The 2021 Oxford County “Spark” program winners are:

• Aggie Armstrong (Contemporary Art Workshops)
• Cheryl Haskett, Udderly Ridiculous (On-Farm Stress Relieving Experiences)
• Kelly Goodwin (Bike Hub)

In addition to a source of start-up funds and mentorship, selected applicants gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders across the province.

Innovation in the tourism industry is critical for the region to respond, adapt and recover from the significant impacts and evolving travel landscape as a result of the COVID-19 health and economic crisis.

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

Comment

Meredith Maywood, Tourism Oxford
'Congratulations to the three winning innovative entrepreneurs! We look forward to seeing their new tourism ideas grow and develop in Oxford County. Made possible through the support of FedDev Ontario and Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corporation, the “Spark” mentorship program is an excellent opportunity to support tourism development in Oxford.”

Justin Lafontaine, Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab
“We congratulate the 3 winners of the Oxford County “Spark” Program, and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting tourism initiatives in the region.'

Images

• Aggie Armstrong (Contemporary Art Workshops)
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• Cheryl Haskett, Udderly Ridiculous (On-Farm Stress Relieving Experiences)
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• Kelly Goodwin (Bike Hub)
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Contacts

Jenn Austin | Strategic Communication & Engagement
519.539.9800, ext. 3505 |jaustin@oxfordcounty.ca

Justin Lafontaine| Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab
416-712-8819 | info@tourisminnovation.ca