INGERSOLL, ON – January 9, 2024 | Community Futures Oxford, Tourism Oxford and Rural Oxford Economic Development jointly announce: the Tourism Innovation Grant Program applications are now open.
The Tourism Innovation Grant Program supports Oxford County businesses who are developing or expanding tourism to offer unique and innovative visitor experiences. Applications will be evaluated on sustainability, creativity, innovation, feasibility, economic and community impact, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. Potential applicants are encouraged to call Meredith Maywood, Tourism Specialist with County of Oxford, at 1-866-801-7368 x3354, to discuss eligibility and application best practices.
“This Tourism Innovation Grant Program, offered for the third time, provides three $3,000 grants. It has delivered impressive results for Oxford County tourism and the businesses who have received grants in the previous two years,” says Meredith. “We’re excited to see what ideas are surfaced in this round.”
Last year’s recipients included Berrylicious Fruit Farms, Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, Sixthirtynine and Terra Nova Nordic Spa.
“The grant encourages creativity and innovation for businesses operating in Oxford County. We love seeing great ideas come to life, innovative programs tested and business owners providing new reasons for people to visit our communities,” says Janet Wakutz, CED Coordinator, Community Futures Oxford.
Ronda Stewart, Economic Development Director at Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation, says one objective of this grant program is to encourage organizations to offer unique and creative tourist and guest experiences that will motivate longer stays in Oxford County and increase year-round visits to the area.
“We are proud to partner in delivering the Tourism Innovation Grant program – funding tourism opportunity developments that align with Oxford County priorities and encouraging new business activities and resiliency,” says Ronda Stewart.
Online applications will be accepted until February 18. For more information about eligibility and to start the application, visit www.cfoxford.ca/tourismgrant.
Contact:
Janet Wakutz, CED Program Coordinator
Community Futures Oxford
519 425 0401 | jwakutz@cfoxford.ca
About Community Futures Oxford
Community Futures Oxford in an independent non-profit organization providing business advice, financing and community economic development support. The organization’s vision is to be the leading hub of entrepreneurship support services in Oxford County. This is achieved by improving access to capital for new and existing businesses, delivering programs and services that support small business and by being a catalyst for community economic development initiatives. Community Futures is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Oxford County.
About Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation
At Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation, we are committed to helping people and businesses succeed. We help people navigate the ins-and-outs of the development process to enable business growth in our five Townships – Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, South-West Oxford, and Zorra.
About Tourism Oxford
Located in the heartland of Southwestern Ontario, Oxford County is known for great cycling, slow food, a diverse heritage and its commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Sample the cheese trail, see how our landscape inspires local artists, and immerse yourself in our rural lifestyle. Just slow down and unplug as you tour Oxford.
Tourism Oxford recognizes Oxford County’s strengths are its natural environment, rich agricultural land, heritage and cultural opportunities. Tourism Oxford has therefore embraced Future Oxford’s sustainability commitments to preserve the tourism appeal and assets of Oxford County.
