Trevor Norris of the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board introduces businessman Richard Courneyea (left) as an example of original thinking and passion leading to success in the local tourism sector. (Photo: Quinte News)
Calling all who have an interest and a good idea to boost tourism in the Quinte region.
Especially those who have an idea that would increase the number of visitors enjoying our area in the typically slow winter season.
A contest of sorts started today (Thursday) at Henry’s Place in Corbyville as a new provincial tourism program named “Spark” was launched.
The “Spark” Mentorships and Grants program is now accepting ideas from anyone for ventures that would increase the tourism business, especially in the shoulder and off-seasons.
The three proposals judged as best among the applications will receive $3,000 grants and more importantly the advice and guidance from others elsewhere in the province who’ve succeeded with innovative business ideas.
“Spark” is offered by the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab with support from the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, Trenval Business Development Corporation and the Regional Tourism Organization 9.
The initiative has already proven successful in five other areas of the province.
Executive Director of the Regional Marketing Board Dug Stevenson told a group of about 50 people that innovation and especially “experiential” tourism ideas will grow the business in the Quinte region.
“We’ve got a lot to offer people here but we’ve got to come up with different ways to offer our natural resources, different experiences. We need ideas and that’s what the “Spark” program is all about. Apply now whether you’re an individual, an existing business, or some kind of partnership.”
The deadline for applications is February 28.
Richard Courneyea, the owner of Henry’s Place and Signal Brewery next door spoke as an example of someone who acted on an original idea by transforming the historic Corby Distillery building into a beautiful craft brewery, restaurant and entertainment venue.
“We’re now focusing on the arts as there’s lots of room for business growth in that sector and we create special events of all kinds. I just saw hidden potential here in Corbyville and although we had our struggles we’ve kept adapting and I believe this hamlet can be as popular as Wellington or Bloomfield in the not so distant future.”
At the end of the application period five proposals will be selected and from there they will enter into a process similar to the one seen on “Dragon’s Den” to end up with the three proposals that will receive grants and mentorship.
Get detailed information on the Spark program here.
