Tourism Innovation Grant
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 (and now non-profits) who are developing or expanding tourism to offer unique and innovative visitor experiences. Applications are evaluated on sustainability, creativity, innovation, feasibility, economic and community impact, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.
This Tourism Innovation Grant Program, offered for the fourth time, provides three $3,000 grants for businesses and two $3,000 grants for non-profits. It has delivered impressive results for Oxford County tourism and the businesses who have received grants in the previous three years.
Tourism Innovation Grant Application
Watch the video below for detailed information about the grant, including priority areas, eligibility requirements, and best practices.
Application Process
- Submit your application by March 31, 2026.
- Applicants meeting the eligibility criteria will have their applications scored according to the metrics in the scoring chart below to determine finalists.
- Applicants will be notified by April 10 if they have been selected as a finalist to participate in an interview/pitch with the judging panel. Interviews will be held virtually the evening of mid April (date to be determined). Those selected to be a grant recipient will be notified following the interviews and will receive their grant of $3000 by April 30.
Grant Eligibility
Applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements in order for their application to be reviewed:
- Grant application is for an activity that will be implemented the 2026 calendar year.
- Businesses must meet Tourism Oxford’s partnership eligibility requirements for a free listing on www.TourismOxford.ca. Businesses may ask for advice/support in meeting the requirements in order to become eligible.
- The applicant’s business has been in operation for more than two years.
- Business operates within Oxford County.
- Master business license or proof of non-profit status.
- Proof of insurance.
- Confirmation of appropriate zoning and permits if applicable.
- Applicants who have previously received the tourism innovation grant are ineligible to apply.
The recipients of the 2025 Tourism Innovation Grants:
- Transitions Equine Assisted Learning add a medicine garden and a fencing update. The garden has become both an educational and cultural feature that draws visitors, while the updated fencing has enhanced safety and aesthetics across the property.
- Jarful Local Refillery add a Scent Your Own station and add workshops where people can create their own custom blend of essential oils, learn the basics of product scenting and leave with a custom scent of their own.
- Fair/Square Inc. invest in furniture and dinnerware, not only for the experience, but also in plant-based cooking workshops and other in-store events.
Read here: 2025 Oxford Tourism Innovation Grant Update - Community Futures Oxford
The recipients of the 2024 Tourism Innovation Grants:
- Thames River Melon Ltd – add educational experience around beekeeping, honey and pollinators.
- The Thoughtful Artisan – give participants the opportunity to work with natural fibre yarns and learn about the benefits over acrylics, drawing from a 200km radius.
- Habitual Chocolate – provide education and experience around creating a chocolate bark with ingredients from local producers.
Read here: Announcing Oxford County's Tourism Innovation Grant Recipients 2024! - Community Futures Oxford
The recipients of the 2023 Tourism Innovation Grants:
- Berrylicious Fruit Farms renovate an outdoor space to accommodate an accessible area for their popular picnics in the patch. This space will allow for new foodie experiences and spontaneous picnic trips to the farm.
- Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese create permanent infrastructure for outdoor events and modernize the attraction by adding digital education signage about dairy farming and agriculture.
- Sixthirtynine elevate the chef’s table to include locally crafted seating and will incorporate the history of the restaurant. This unique dining experience allows visitors to be seated within the kitchen where they can watch their food be prepared, interact with the chef and ask questions about the food.
- Terra Nova Nordic Spa install self sustaining structures that can be used to provide unique spa treatments or dining experiences.
Read here: 2023 Tourism Innovation Grant Recipients - Community Futures Oxford
The recipients of the 2022 Tourism Innovation Grants:
- 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
Read here: New tourism grants focus on improving the 'visitor experience' | Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation