Air Canada + Culinary Tourism Alliance launch Youth Taste of Place Entrepreneur Showcase
The Air Canada Youth Taste of Place Entrepreneur Showcase celebrates emerging Canadian entrepreneurs ages 19–30 who are shaping Canada’s food and agritourism landscape through local flavour, culture, and community impact.
Two winners will be flown to Edmonton to present their business at the 2026 Taste of Place Summit, June 15–16 2026, in a featured Air Canada–moderated session titled “How My Taste of Place Business Took Flight.” Winners receive national visibility, travel support, and full access to the Summit.
Prizes
Two selected winners will receive:
• Round-trip Air Canada flights to Edmonton
• Accommodations during the Summit
• Full access to the Taste of Place Summit (value $1,100)
• A featured panel appearance in the Air Canada–hosted fireside chat
• National exposure through CTA and partner communications
• Industry visibility among tourism leaders, innovators, and culinary storytellers
Note: Travel and accommodations are not provided to winners residing in Edmonton.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Age & Residency
• 19–30 at time of entry
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Business Requirements
• Must own, co-own, or operate a culinary or agritourism business in Canada
• Business must be operational (not pre-launch)
• Business must reflect taste of place through local ingredients, cultural traditions, sustainability, regional stories, or community impact
Availability
• Must be available to attend the Taste of Place Summit June 15–16, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta.
Submission Requirements
Applicants must complete the online application and submit:
1. Application Form
Includes personal and business details, proof of age and residency, and business location.
2. Three-minute video answering:
• How does your business embody taste of place?
• What regional traditions, flavours, or stories do you champion?
• What impact has your business made in your community or region?
• Where do you hope your business will “take flight” in the next 3–5 years?
3. Supporting Links
Website and/or social media showcasing the business.
4. Optional Materials
Testimonials, media coverage, photos, and other supporting documents.
Timeline
Contest Launch
December 2025
Submission Deadline
January 30, 2026 at 4 PM EST
Judging Period
February 1–20, 2026
Winners Announced
February 2026
Fireside Chat Preparation
March–May 2026
Taste of Place Summit
June 15–16, 2026
Edmonton Alberta
How to Apply
Submit your application using the online form:
👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8JQB8K2
Applications must be submitted by January 30, 2026, at 4 PM EST.
Questions?
Contact: Rebecca@culinarytourismalliance.com
Terms & Conditions
• Open only to Canadian youth entrepreneurs ages 19–30 who meet all eligibility requirements.
• Winners must participate in media activities and the full Summit program.
• Travel, accommodations, and Summit passes are non-transferable.
• CTA reserves the right to verify eligibility and disqualify incomplete or inaccurate submissions.
