New program looks to support Black entrepreneurs in tourism

A new program has launched to help mentor and fund Black innovators in the tourism field.

Ontario's Southwest Regional Tourism Organization has teamed up with partners to launch the initiative, called Ontario's Southwest Black Tourism "Spark" Program.

It launched on Oct. 11, and is looking for applicants from the region's Black community with ideas that could benefit tourism and bring businesses to life. 

Justin Lafontaine, program lead at Tourism Innovation Lab — one of the partners in the program — says the team is looking to hear all types of ideas. 

"We've had over 100 entrepreneurs that we've supported across Ontario and British Columbia," Lafontaine said at the launch event in Windsor on Wednesday.

Colin Grimmond, coordinator of professional skills and entrepreneurship from Empowerment Squared, says the goal is to provide startup funds and incentivize people to pursue entrepreneurial ideas within tourism. 

In addition to mentorship, selected recipients will receive $3,000 in seed funding and $2,000 in tech adoption support. The Tourism Innovation Lab is a non-profit group that covers all of Ontario.

"This innovation lab was all about eliminating barriers and having folks get access to networks, seed funding, mentorship and other support to move their ideas forward. And we know some of the greatest and innovative tourism ideas are from the underrepresented communities we have in this region and in Ontario," said Lafontaine. 

The Spark program has existed for five years with the goal of generating new tourism ideas and supporting innovators across the province. 

"I think the end goal is we're trying to create a viable Black entrepreneurial ecosystem and a network where we're publicizing what each other is doing," said Grimmond.

The Spark program has been offered in other regions, with winners starting up new businesses or changing the way their current business operates. The Spark program also has an Indigenous-focused program based in British Columbia. 

Tyneisha Thomas, also known as Ty the Poetess, was one of the winners of the Simcoe County Spark Program. She's currently been crowned as Barrie's fourth Poet Laureate and is the first Black person to hold this position. 

"Being in this program led me to have a great mentor that I can use forever now, even after the program," said Thomas. 

She explains that both her mentor Dionne Bishop and the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab have been networks she's been able to connect with past her mentorship program. 

"It gives me hope for the future, especially being a mom. I love that youth have an opportunity to create their own ideas. And I look forward to seeing what some of the Black entrepreneurs are gonna bring to the table," said Thomas.

Peter Odle is the founder of the Urban Guide, a business that specializes in self-guided city tours.

He said he's excited to work with new people from Southwestern region with with fresh ideas. Odle will mentor a recipient who will learn from his experiences. 

Odle says he would have benefited from a program like this.

"Having access to these professionals, it makes a ton of sense. And it makes the process of being an entrepreneur more efficient. I would've benefited tremendously if I had access to a program like this," said Odle.

"My advice is go for it. If you have an idea, jump on it now. Find people to help you out and move it forward. You don't want to be your own greatest obstacle," said Odle. 

Applications close on Nov. 22.

The application is a three-step process. Applications are open to Black entrepreneurs, business owners and non-profit organizations. Applications will be reviewed by a jury of local and provincial tourism innovators and leaders. Finalists will take part in a pitch session and three people will be chosen to take part in the program. 

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.