Winners Of Tourism Innovation Lab Announced

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The first three winners of the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab “Spark” Mentorship & Grants Program were announced on Thursday.

The top five finalist presented their pitch of their new tourism ideas at Caesars Windsor. Each competed to receive a tourism industry mentorship, and a $3,000 grant to help take their idea to the next level of development or implementation.

The 2018 “Spark” Program winners were Amy Saba, Owner of Crafted on Riverfront, Jen Desjardins-Grondi, Co-Owner of GL Heritage Brewing Company, and Michael Difazio, Owner, Head Builder and Designer of Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry.

Additional finalists that presented were Elisabeth Cheng of International Customer Service Professional and Susan McLeod Director of Shō Studios Inc.

The program was launched in Windsor Essex in June 2018 in collaboration with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Libro Credit Union, and over 25 community partners and supporters from across the region.

The goal of the “Spark” Program is to find, foster and support new tourism experiences, product ideas and collaborative partnerships. This past summer, a community-wide marketing campaign encouraged residents, non-profits and small businesses to apply with their great new tourism ideas for Windsor Essex.

All of the winners and finalists will gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.