Spark grant winners (L to R) - Megan O’Neil,  -Bo Tait, -Kailyn Shepley & Anne Hazzard (Photo courtesy of Tourism Sarnia-Lambton)Spark grant winners (L to R) - Megan O’Neil, -Bo Tait, -Kailyn Shepley & Anne Hazzard (Photo courtesy of Tourism Sarnia-Lambton)
Sarnia

Spark grant award winners announced

A few local entrepreneurs are being given a helping hand to throw some unique events.

The winners of the "Spark" program grants have been announced, with $3,000 going toward each initiative.

They are Kailyn Shepley and Anne Hazard for the Historical Society Walk in Port Lambton, Megan O'Neil for the 100th of a Marathon event in Lambton Shores, and Bo Tait of Valley Axe for Throwchella.

The Tourism Sarnia-Lambton program is in partnership with the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab.

TSL spokesperson Beverley Horodyski said the "Spark" program is a great way to help local business people.

"It really allows that opportunity for that creative side and new ideas to come forward," said Horodyski. "I think that's why the name is so great. It is the Spark program to spark innovative tourism ideas across Lambton County."

The winners were picked at a Dragon's Den-style event at the Ipperwash Beach Club last week out of 21 applications.

They'll also benefit from mentorship and gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.

It's the first time this competition has been held locally, it's been done in Windsor-Essex in the past.

Horodyski is hopeful it will return in the future because it's a great benefit for local business people.

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