Some of the best baked goods in Oxford County come from a converted barn in Verschoyle, where Esther and her family have built a business one batch at a time. Esther’s baking journey didn’t start with a storefront. She began selling baked goods out of a mobile trailer, building a loyal following long before she […]
Baking Up Memories: The Hot Oven Bakery at Discover Rural Oxford Read More »
If you haven’t tried a haskap berry yet, Discover Rural Oxford is about to change that — and Plaid Shirt Farms is the business to thank for it. Plaid Shirt Farms is owned by Patricia and her family, who grow rhubarb, red and black currants, and haskap berries on their farm near Otterville. Haskaps are
Berries with Character: Plaid Shirt Farms at Discover Rural Oxford Read More »
Some of the best cheese in Oxford County is made just outside Mount Elgin, by a family that’s been perfecting the craft for generations — long before they ever set foot in Canada. New Galma Dairy & Creamery is owned and operated by the Zeldenrijk family, who specialize in locally made Dutch-style cheese. Their Gouda
It’s Always a Gouda Time: New Galma Dairy & Creamery at Discover Rural Oxford Read More »
Some businesses are named on a whim. Commonplace Books was named with real intention, and once you hear the story behind it, the name sticks with you. Shannon, the owner of this independent bookstore in downtown Ingersoll, chose the name as a nod to several things at once. The first is the traditional practice of
A Common Place for Book Lovers: Commonplace Books at Discover Rural Oxford Read More »
If you love a good pint with a side of personality, Mad Mash Brewery is one stop you won’t want to skip at this year’s Discover Rural Oxford. Owners Chad and John have built a Scottish-themed brew pub in Tavistock that pairs scratch-made comfort food with beer brewed using local ingredients — and they’re bringing
Raise a Glass: Mad Mash Brewery Joins Discover Rural Oxford Read More »
Not every Discover Rural Oxford feature involves food or farm products — and Transition Acres is proof that some of the county’s most meaningful offerings come on four legs. Located just outside Tavistock, Transition Acres is an equine-assisted wellness and learning experience built around personal growth, leadership, and emotional well-being. Owner Alisha Wilson has grown
Something a Little Different: Transition Acres at Discover Rural Oxford Read More »
Project Summary The Rural Oxford Downtown Project was designed to gather insights from rural business owners and commercial property owners to identify the specific barriers and opportunities associated with establishing and sustaining storefront businesses in rural communities across Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation’s (ROEDC) five member municipalities. While the original intent was only two sessions,
Rural Oxford Downtown Project: Summary Notes Read More »
Every year, hundreds of regional employers take time out of a busy season to answer a few honest questions: who are you hiring, what’s working, and what’s keeping you up at night? The 2026 EmployerOne Survey results are in, and for businesses across Rural Oxford and the wider region, they offer something genuinely useful —
What Local Employers Are Telling Us: Inside the 2026 EmployerOne Survey Read More »
Tourism Oxford, Community Futures Oxford and Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Tourism Innovation Grant. Following a thorough review and scoring process, five local businesses and two non-profits were selected as finalists. The finalists presented to our objective judging panel on April 16 followed by a Q&A. Our judges, Carol Greenwood VP,
Announcing Oxford County’s Tourism Innovation Grant Recipients 2026! Read More »
The Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation (Rural Oxford EDC) is looking to launch the Rural Downtown Project, a new initiative designed to revitalize Oxford County’s rural commercial cores and support local entrepreneurship. The project recognizes that rural downtowns and village cores are more than economic hubs—they are central to community identity, connection, and long-term resilience.
In the heart of Southwestern Ontario, something remarkable is happening. Across the rolling farmland and vibrant small towns of Rural Oxford, entrepreneurs are finding the perfect balance between opportunity and community. Whether you’re launching a new agri-business, expanding your shop floor, or exploring value-added food production, Rural Oxford offers the kind of business environment that
Building a Future in Rural Oxford: Why Entrepreneurs Thrive Here Read More »
Discover Rural Oxford returns for its second year at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, bringing together an inspiring collection of local businesses that highlight the rich entrepreneurial spirit of our rural communities. This unique exhibit connects visitors with market-style vendors offering products and experiences you can’t always find at the farm show—encouraging people to shop local
