Six finalists who made winning pitches for the Haldimand & Norfolk “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.

The Haldimand & Norfolk County “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between the Tourism Innovation Lab, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Haldimand County Tourism, Norfolk County Tourism, Libro Credit Union, Grand Erie Business Centre and Venture Norfolk.

The program’s 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.

Twenty applications were received, with the top five from Haldimand and the top five from Norfolk being invited to present their new tourism ideas at virtual Pitch Sessions held this week. Judge panels of local partner representatives and tourism innovators from outside the region selected the six winning applicants.

The 2022 Haldimand County “Spark” Program winners are:

• Dan Megna & Laurie Lilliman, Twisted Lemon (Haldimand Getaway Packages)
• Jessica Carpio, Bluewater Flower Farm (Organic Flower Farm Tours, Experiences & Sensory Based Workshops)
• Nancy VanSas, Lower Grand River Land Trust/Ruthven Park (Ruthven in Wonderland)

The 2022 Norfolk County “Spark” Program winners are:

• Brooke Martin (Norfolk’s Bounty: A Picnic Experience)
• Hannah & Cliff Lawrance (Glamping Accommodations)
• Marshall Collins, Collins Harbour (Food Trucks)

In addition to seed funds, mentorship and additional partner support, selected applicants gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders across the province.

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