Recognizing the important role that the tourism industry plays in the territorial economy, today Minister John Streicker announced the Spark Tourism Micro-grant, a new funding initiative to support budding entrepreneurs in the Yukon's tourism industry, particularly those offering innovative and sustainable visitor experiences and services.
The Spark Tourism Micro-grant is for new or emerging entrepreneurs who are looking to launch their visitor experience or service. Eligible applicants will be able to apply for funding between $1,000 and $5,000 through three intakes. Priority will be given to projects that show potential for scalability and further development and for innovative ideas that create pathways towards sustainable tourism.
Spark Tourism Micro-grant guidelines and application form will be available on Yukon.ca. The first intake deadline is June 15, 2024.
The Spark Tourism Micro-grant is envisioned to serve as an important stepping stone for new individuals and businesses to enter the tourism sector. Established tourism businesses and organizations will continue to be able to access support such as the Community Tourism Destination Development Fund.
The creation of the micro-grant supports actions in the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy, by growing tourism business revenue and building capacity in the Yukon to provide outstanding visitor experiences.
The Spark Tourism Micro-grant will be funded through Budget 2024–25 and is subject to legislative approval.
The Department of Tourism and Culture is modernizing the funding it offers to the tourism sector. The Yukon is such an incredible place and I am excited to see the new endeavours that will result from the Spark Micro-grant. This new funding program is meant to energize and build the Yukon’s tourism sector to capitalize on all that the Yukon has to offer.
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker
The funding program considers “sustainability” alongside UNWTO’s definition of sustainable tourism: tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
Applicants can receive between $1,000 to $5,000 to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses.
The fund is aimed at Yukon-based individuals, businesses, First Nations governments, First Nations development entities and not-for-profit organizations. This funding is not an opportunity for established entities to expand their existing offerings.
Jordan Owens
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0615
jordan.owens@yukon.ca
Alicia Debreceni
Tourism and Culture
867-3323670
alicia.debreceni@yukon.ca