INGERSOLL, ON – Community Futures Oxford, Tourism Oxford and Rural Oxford Economic Development are teaming up again to deliver a second round of the Tourism Innovation Grant Program.
Three grants of $3,000 will be given to local businesses that are developing or expanding tourism experiences in Oxford County. The organizations involved feel it is important to offer unique and innovative visitor experiences to motivate longer stays and increase year-round visits in the area.
“The tourism industry continues to be impacted, including businesses operating in Oxford County. The Tourism Innovation Grant is a unique opportunity to support the creativity and recovery of the local tourism industry,” says Lindsay Wilson, CED Coordinator, Community Futures Oxford.
Last year’s winners were Greener Pastures Eco Farm, Snyder’s Family Farm, and Golspie Dairy. “”It was so encouraging to be chosen as a recipient of a Tourism Innovation Grant and it was a great opportunity to take the time to think hard about our business and what we wanted to achieve in the future. We were able to use the grant funds to pay for projects that were otherwise not within our budget,” says Golspie Dairy co-owner, Marja DeBoer-Marshall.
Meredith Maywood is a Tourism Specialist with the county and says it was an easy decision to offer more grants this year. “The pilot program tested in 2022 had excellent outcomes for both the businesses supported and the tourism industry in Oxford County. We look forward to building on that success with Community Futures Oxford and Rural Oxford EDC with three more grants for the coming year.”
Ronda Stewart is Economic Development Director at Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation and says her organization is looking forward to seeing this year’s applications. “The Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation team is excited to support the grant program for a second year. There are so many dynamic businesses who welcome visitors, share our culture, and create authentic experiences unique to Oxford County. We look forward to hearing new ideas and helping our tourism operators bring them to life.”
Online applications will be accepted until March 1. For more information about eligibility go to www.cfoxford.ca/tourismgrant.
Here is a direct link to the info virtual session https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_msgAnfJ90&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fcfoxford.ca%2F&feature=emb_imp_woyt
