The Birthplace of Adventure “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program launched on September 16, 2025, with the goal to “spark” new tourism ideas and initiatives in the southeast corner of British Columbia. Presented by Destination BC in collaboration with the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association and the Tourism Innovation Lab, the Birthplace of Adventure “Spark” program matches selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provides a $3,000 seed grant to help develop new tourism ideas.

This program was designed to help entrepreneurs in the area to overcome challenges and barriers often experienced in bringing new tourism products to life. Previous BC “Spark” program participants were selected for water-based ecotours, agritourism initiatives, Indigenous tourism programs, wine and culinary workshops, interactive walking tours, virtual experiences, aerial adventures, winter glamping retreats, nature orientated vacation packages, and more.
Applications are being accepted now from tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations in the area (see map for reference).
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