New program aids Indigenous entrepreneurs with tourism concepts

A new provincial program aims to help indigenous tourism entrepreneurs get their ideas off to a solid start.

Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab work together to launch the Indigenous Tourism Skode (pronounced “Shkoh-deh” in Anishinaabemowin) program.

Three applicants will be selected to participate and will receive three months of mentoring from a tourism innovator, experienced operator, industry leader and / or industry expert, and a $ 5,000 non-refundable contribution to help develop their tourism idea.

The program is open to indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, businesses, community groups, and nonprofits with ideas and experiences that authentically represent, celebrate, and promote Ontario’s indigenous culture, heritage, language, cuisine, and communities.

Participants must be members of Indigenous Tourism Ontario and the business must be at least 51 percent indigenous owned, operated and controlled.

The program started on April 27th and applicants have until May 28th to submit their contributions.

After the submission deadline, a jury made up of leading representatives of indigenous tourism, entrepreneurs and partner representatives will examine the applications.

The finalists will present their ideas during a pitch session on June 17th and three ideas will be selected.

You can find detailed information about the program and the admission criteria here Here.

Indigenous Tourism Ontario is an industry organization dedicated to the growth of Indigenous Tourism in Ontario.