The 2025 Tourism Innovation Grant Program is officially open for applications! Now in its fourth year, this grant program is a collaboration between Community Futures Oxford, Tourism Oxford, and the Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation. It supports local businesses that are creating or enhancing tourism experiences in Oxford County. These experiences aim to attract visitors year-round, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits. Selected applicants will receive a $3,000 grant to bring their innovative ideas to life.
This program is open to applications from Oxford County businesses, and will be evaluated based on their practices for sustainability, creativity, innovation, feasibility, economic and community impact, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. A virtual information session for the 2025 Tourism Innovation Grant Program will be held on January 16th at 12:30 PM. Join us online to learn more about the grant and gain tips to strengthen your application! If you can’t attend, don’t worry—the session will be recorded and made available on cfoxford.ca/tourismgrant.
Register here https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/gda5ved
“With the added financial assistance and support of Community Futures Oxford, Tourism Oxford, and Rural Oxford EDC, this grant gives businesses the opportunity to create and launch innovative experiences they might not have been able to bring to life otherwise.” -says Meredith Maywood, Tourism Specialist, Tourism Oxford.
The grant encourages creativity and innovation for businesses operating in Oxford County looking to invite more visitors to the area.
“The Tourism Innovation Grant program is a community collaboration that Rural Oxford EDC is proud to be a part of. By working together, we’ve helped 10 business owners enhance or develop new tourism experiences for locals and visitors to Oxford County. It’s inspiring to know that 78% of past grant recipients are still offering the experiences they launched under this program. We look forward to seeing what new ideas arise in 2025.” says Ronda Stewart, Economic Development Director, Rural Oxford EDC.
Previous winners include Berrylicious Fruit Farms, Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, Sixthirtynine, Terra Nova Nordic Spa, Golspie Dairy, Greener Pastures Eco Farm, Snyder’s Family Farm, Thames River Melons, Habitual Chocolate, and The Thoughtful Artisan.
“One of my favourite aspects of this grant program is discovering the creativity of Oxford County entrepreneurs and their ability to try new things to encourage tourism and new revenue streams,” says Janet Wakutz, CED Coordinator, Community Futures Oxford.
Online applications will be accepted until February 21st, 2025. For more information about eligibility and to start the application, visit www.cfoxford.ca/tourismgrant and complete the online application.