Congratulations Cowichan “Spark” Program Winners!

Quw’utsun Territory (Cowichan, BC) – Three (3) finalists who made winning pitches for the Cowichan “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas. 

The Cowichan “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between Destination British Columbia, 4TVI, Tourism Cowichan and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

The program’s goal was to find, advance 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 to the Cowichan region.

The Cowichan “Spark” Program winners are: 

• Nick Gallant – Lake Cowichan Bicycle Rentals & Tours
• Jackie Broughton – Jack & Jay Creative Space
• Sarah Campbell – Building the Cowichan Cannabis Trail

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 https://www.tourisminnovation.ca/cowichan 

QUOTES

Brian Cant, President, 4TVI

“Congratulations to everyone who submitted their pitches for the Cowichan “Spark” Program and to the three finalists. It is exciting to see the innovative and unique ideas that have been brought forward.”

Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC

“Congratulations to the three finalists of the Cowichan ‘Spark’ Program for their exceptional vision and commitment to enhancing the local tourism landscape. Initiatives like these not only inspire innovation and entrepreneurship but also create new and enriching experiences that help us build a vibrant, year-round tourism economy, strengthening communities and showcasing the best of what the region has to offer.”

Alex Berlyand, BC Programs Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab

“We congratulate the winners of the Cowichan “Spark” Program, and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting tourism offerings in the region” said Alex Berlyand, BC Programs Lead for the Tourism Innovation Lab.

MEDIA CONTACTS

4TVI
Brian Cant, President, 4TVI: 250-888-8729
Email: [email protected]

Tourism Cowichan
Media Relations
Email: [email protected]

Destination BC
Media Relations
Email: [email protected]

Tourism Innovation Lab
Alex Berlyand, BC Programs Lead
Email: [email protected]

SOCIAL MEDIA

4TVI
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4vigroup/ 

Tourism Cowichan
Instagram: @cowichantourism
Facebook: @tourismcowichan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourism-cowichan/

Destination BC
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/destinationbritishcolumbia 

Tourism Innovation Lab
Facebook: @tourisminnovationcanada
Instagram: @tourisminnovationcanada
Twitter: @tourinnovation

ABOUT

About 4TVI:
Part of the 4VI Social Enterprise Group, 4TVI is a non-profit corporation that supports the needs of First Nations, residents, and tourism businesses through government-funded work in the Vancouver Island Region. Learn more at forvi.ca 

About Tourism Cowichan:
Tourism Cowichan Society is an industry-led destination management organization that supports and contributes to a sustainable future for tourism in the Cowichan Region through regional marketing campaigns, industry development, and destination management. To learn more, please visit tourismcowichan.com/about/

About Destination BC:
Destination British Columbia (Destination BC) is a Provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s tourism industry through a combination of global marketing, destination development, industry learning, cooperative community-based programs, and visitor servicing. Destination BC’s programs help to improve the visitor experience, support businesses and communities across the province, and strengthen BC’s worldwide reputation as a destination of choice. For more information about Destination BC’s programs and services, please visit: http://www.DestinationBC.ca/

About the Tourism Innovation Lab:
The Tourism Innovation Lab is a non-profit initiative created to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships, to cultivate and propel collaborations between the tourism and tech sectors, and to build a community of tourism innovators, idea makers and entrepreneurs. Launched in Ontario in 2018, the Lab and its “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program are expanding to new regions across Canada. The Tourism Innovation Lab is a program of Hackforge and has a BC home base in Squamish. Learn more at www.TourismInnovation.ca/.