Tourism Innovation is thrilled to announce the winners of our Black Tourism “Spark” Program, an initiative designed to foster diversity and innovation in Ontario’s tourism sector. The program, developed in partnership with SWOBEN, Empowerment Squared, and WE Tech Alliance, supports Black entrepreneurs and organizations in bringing creative tourism experiences to life in Ontario’s Southwest and Hamilton Halton Brant regions.
Following a competitive selection process, three visionary projects have been chosen to receive comprehensive support packages, including mentorship, seed funding, and technical assistance:
SenFaRa: Where Flavors, Culture, and Community Converge
Founded by siblings Osen, Lohifa, and Era Pogoson, SenFaRa will be a vibrant café and social house in Hamilton, Ontario. This innovative concept promises to blend global flavors with local community connection, offering a space where culinary arts, music, and culture intersect. The name SenFaRa, combining “Sense,” “Flavor,” and “Roots,” embodies their vision of being “Globally Infused and Authentically Local.”
Journeys Through Time
Led by Terri Bedminster and Aaron Perry of the Hamilton Black History Council, this project will create engaging experiences that showcase Hamilton’s rich Black history and cultural heritage. The initiative aims to connect visitors with the important stories and contributions of the local Black community.
The Blaze of Story Road Show
Led by Teajai Travis, founder of Sacred Story Studio, this mobile storytelling initiative will bring engaging narratives to communities from Windsor to Chatham. Building on the success of “A Blaze of Story” series, this project aims to develop storytelling infrastructure across the region, culminating in a storytelling festival planned for 2028.
Each winning project will receive:
- Three months of tailored mentorship with industry experts
- $3,000 in seed funding for development activities
- $2,000 in technology adoption support and advisory services
- Access to an extensive network of tourism innovators and leaders
The “Spark” Program continues to build a vibrant community of tourism innovators, fostering new experiences that make Ontario’s tourism sector more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
For more information about the “Spark” Program and future opportunities, visit the Tourism Innovation website.
