Tourism Oxford, Community Futures Oxford and Rural Oxford Economic Development are pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the 2022 Tourism Innovation Grant. Following a thorough review and scoring process, three local businesses will each receive $3,000 to help develop a new tourism product in 2022.

2022 grant recipients include:

• Golspie Dairy: To assist with opening a new cheese factory
• Greener Pastures Eco Farm: To improve ground conditions for tours and camping
• Snyder’s Family Farm: To create a new stage attraction

In total, the program received 11 applications, which were evaluated on creativity, innovation, feasibility, economic and community impact, as well as equity and inclusion. Judges from Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC) and Travel Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) assisted in selecting the final award winners.

When combined, the three award-winning projects will create 13 local jobs, support 25 local suppliers, welcome more than 5,000 visitors in 2022, and invest more than $1.5 million into the Oxford County economy.

For more information on the Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant, and details about the award-winning projects, please visit www.cfoxford.ca/tourismgrant.

Comment

Carol Greenwood, Vice President of Membership and Business Services, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

“Oxford County is a region in Ontario filled with hope. The level of inspiration and entrepreneurs is impressive. In selecting the award recipients, we were challenged with the depth of presentations from brand new ideas to established organizations that were enhancing their products to be better. Each presentation shared the importance of their community, sustainability and the value of collaboration. This is an area in Ontario to watch.”

Lindsay Wilson, Community Economic Development Officer, Community Futures Oxford

“This program demonstrates that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Oxford County. Selecting finalists was challenging due to the calibre of applications we received. We greatly appreciate everyone who applied and the judges from SWOTC and TIAO who brought their expertise to the process.”

Social media and online content

Tourism Oxford

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www.tourismoxford.ca

Community Futures Oxford
Instagram: @communityfuturesoxford
Facebook: @CommunityFuturesOxford
https://cfoxford.ca

Rural Oxford Economic Development

Twitter: @RuralOxfordEDC
Facebook: @RuralOxfordEDC
https://ruraloxford.ca

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.

New tourism grant designed to enhance the visitor experience in Oxford County