The Spark program aims to support innovative tourism ideas in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan tourism region in British Columbia. An information Session for interested applicants will be held Thursday, October 20th.

For Immediate Release 

October 17, 2022, Kamloops, British Columbia – The Thompson Nicola “Spark” Program aims to support innovative tourism ideas in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan tourism region in British Columbia. The 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.

Spark Program Session Info

The “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program will match selected applicants from the area with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant to supplement additional partner support, to help bring new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

To be eligible for the Spark program applicants must fall into one of the following 3 categories:  

  1. Individuals must be 18+ and live or work in the Thompson Nicola area (Thompson-Nicola Regional District and Valemount).
  2. Small businesses, includes those of up to 10 full-time year-round employees, must be based in the Thompson Nicola area.
  3. Small non-profit organizations of up to 10 full-time year-round employees, and community groups based in the Thompson Nicola area.

“Tourism Kamloops is proud to be collaborating with our regional partners to support innovative small businesses and individuals who will further elevate the cultural fabric of the region,” says Monica Dickinson, CEO, Tourism Kamloops. “The Spark program is a unique opportunity for the region to support and foster tourism in a way we have never tried before - we love this outside the box thinking!”

The Thompson Nicola “Spark” Program is presented by Destination British Columbia in collaboration with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Tourism Valemount, Tourism Kamloops, Tourism Sun Peaks, Explore Gold Country, Tourism Wells Gray, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

Applications must be submitted by November 4, 2022, and are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations based in the Thompson Nicola area including the communities of Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Valemount, Clearwater, Blue River, Merritt, Lytton, Cache Creek, Clinton, and surrounding areas. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The “Spark” Program will support businesses and entrepreneurs in the area to bring new tourism experiences to life, which will help visitors experience the Thompson Nicola, benefitting the local community and residents.

For more information on the “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program, including eligibility and upcoming Information sessions, visit TourismInnovation.ca/ThompsonNicola.html.

 

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About Tourism Kamloops

Tourism Kamloops leads strategic destination marketing, partners, and collaborates with stakeholders, and supports development to promote Kamloops as a distinct and desirable tourism destination. Their goal is to increase tourism revenues through the delivery of innovative, results-based marketing strategies.

Learn more about Tourism Kamloops: https://www.tourismkamloops.com/

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