We proudly present your 3 Agritourism “Spark” Winners!
Each winner receives $3,000 in seed funding and mentorship to help develop and launch new visitor experiences rooted in the county.
And the winners are…
• Nick & Amanda Vranckx – Front Road Cellars at Blueberry Hill
• Heidi Mungal – Generations Marketplace and Learning Centre
• Lynsay Connell – Norfolk Juice Co
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all finalists, jurors, and partners who helped bring this program to life.
The success of the Agritourism “Spark” Program reflects the power of collaboration between local entrepreneurs, community partners, and supporters committed to growing rural tourism. Congratulations to the winners, and sincere thanks to all finalists, jurors, and partners who helped bring this initiative to life and continue to champion Norfolk County’s agritourism potential.
A What Is the Spark Program?
Norfolk County is known for its rich agricultural landscape, charming small towns, welcoming waterfront communities, and one-of-a-kind visitor experiences. Now, local creators, entrepreneurs, farmers, and small businesses have an opportunity to bring new agritourism ideas to life right here at home through the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab’s Spark Program.
The Spark Program aims to discover, support, and launch innovative tourism ideas by pairing creators with the resources they need to grow. The Norfolk County Agritourism edition focuses specifically on visitor participation in farm-related and rural activities, such as farm stays, tours, pick-your-own experiences, workshops, or any concept connected to our agricultural heritage.
To qualify, ideas must be new (less than six months old) or still in the development or pilot stage. Spark welcomes both experiences that directly engage visitors and products, such as tourism-related services, tools, or offerings that enhance visitor engagement.
A core goal of the program involves fostering collaboration. Applicants should partner with other farms, makers, tourism operators, or community groups to expand their reach, deepen their impact, and elevate Norfolk’s overall tourism ecosystem.
Participants receive a powerful combination of mentorship, seed funding, sustainability support, and ongoing network engagement — all aimed at helping entrepreneurs turn early concepts into viable tourism offerings.
Why the Spark Program Matters for Norfolk County
Norfolk County continues to grow as a destination for food lovers, nature seekers, wellness travellers, and cultural explorers. Visitors are increasingly seeking:
- Authentic farm and culinary experiences
- Outdoor and nature-based activities
- Unique accommodations and immersive stays
- Creative interpretations of arts, heritage, and culture
- Meaningful opportunities to learn about sustainability and local food systems
The Spark Program empowers local innovators to create standout visitor experiences while reinforcing our region’s commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
What Norfolk County Applicants Receive
Winners of the Spark Program receive:
1. $3,000 in seed funding
To help develop, pilot, or test your idea during its early stages.
2. Three-month mentorship
A unique hallmark of the Spark Program. You’ll be matched with a tourism innovator, sector expert, or experienced operator who will guide planning, product development, marketing, partnerships, and growth—tailored to your specific goals.
3. A growing innovation network
Finalists join a community of creative entrepreneurs from across Ontario. This network has supported over 150 past Spark winners, from agritourism launches and food experiences to festivals, wellness initiatives, and creative rural projects.
4. Exposure and community support
Participation can open doors to partnerships, tourism promotion opportunities, and connections that continue long after the program ends.