Tourism Innovation Challenge Announced

Cornwall Ontario – The Cornwall Tourism Development Fund is proud to announce the launch of the Tourism Innovation Challenge, an exciting new initiative designed to spark bold, creative solutions that will drive tourism growth and showcase Cornwall as a premier destination in Ontario.

Unlike a traditional pitch competition, the Tourism Innovation Challenge provides participants with a comprehensive support system. Semi-Finalists will take part in exclusive coaching seminars, hosted in partnership with the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre (CBEC), and the Top 5 Finalists will receive personalized one-on-one mentorship from accomplished business professionals. The competition will culminate in a live Pitch Finale at The Dev Centre on February 12, 2026, where one standout idea will be crowned the winner and awarded a $25,000 grand prize to bring their tourism innovation to life.

Dale Allen, Chair of the Cornwall Tourism Development Fund, explained “The Tourism Development Fund is pleased to present this Challenge, which will provide much needed working capital to a tourism-based business that will be located in Cornwall. This business will add to the many tourist options available to visitors to the area and create continued growth in the tourism sector”.

The Challenge is open to all Canadian residents, but the business must be run in Cornwall, Ontario. It is free to apply and applicants may be a new or operational business but if the business is more than three years old, the pitched idea must include a new element. Individuals with innovative tourism solutions, even if they do not currently own a business, can also apply as long as they plan to open a company. The business must be an anchor attraction and cannot be an event.

The inaugural Tourism Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition will be open to the public and is taking place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at The Dev Centre, in Cornwall. Community members, interest holders, and tourism enthusiasts will gather to watch the Top 5 Finalists bring their ideas to life on stage and cheer on the next big idea in Cornwall tourism.

 Applications are open on October 3rd.

As of October 3, 2025 applications will be open until November 24, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to put forward tourism solutions that demonstrate the ability to attract more visitors to Cornwall and increase overnight stays at local hotels. The winner will not only take home $25,000 in funding but also benefit from invaluable mentorship and exposure that could transform their idea into a lasting business venture. If you have a fresh, innovative idea that can drive tourism to Cornwall, you are encouraged to apply. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your vision and compete for the $25,000 grand prize. Find out more: https://www.cornwalltdf.ca/

About the Tourism Development Fund

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) was established in 2019 and is generated from the proceeds of the Municipal Accommodation Tax. It is administered by the Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall (TDCC), a not-for-profit corporation. Over the past 6 years, the TDF has distributed over $1 million to area businesses and organizations, and in the process has helped the tourism sector grow locally.

Eligibility for funding is outlined at www.CornwallTDF.ca , and all applications are made online. Applicants are required to submit their application at least three months in advance of their project date.

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