Tourism Oxford, Community Futures Oxford and Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation are p leased 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, Operations & Partnerships, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, Kimberly Earls, Executive Director of Rural Ontario Institute and Joanne Wolnik, Executive Director, Ontario’s Southwest were impressed with the passion of the presenters.
“The passion and creativity of this year’s finalists were truly inspiring. Their innovative ideas are shaping the future of tourism in Oxford County & Ontario’s Southwest, and we’re thrilled to see those visions to life. The Oxford Tourism Innovation Grant isn’t just an investment into individual businesses, it’s about helping our whole tourism community grow and thrive,” said Joanne Wolnik.
“This is something I look forward to each year and am always pleased when asked to return. I think consistent innovation and curiosity to create something new comes when there is an environment of community support. This year’s finalists once again were impressive,” Carol Greenwood said. “Their passion for their initiatives was personal and focused on sustainability and retention of workforce demonstrated values and growth for individuals, team, and community is valued. We congratulate all finalists and the winners, and more importantly – look forward to visiting Oxford County soon to experience them. We encourage you to do so as well, as the best way to amplify a tourism operator’s hard work, is to visit their business.”
“Oxford Tourism Innovation Grant has created something really special in recognizing the businesses that make our communities so amazing!” said Kimberly Earls. “Serving as a judge gave me an even greater appreciation for the passion creativity, and pride behind each nominee. This region is filled with remarkable businesses, and every one of them should be proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
Each recipient receives a grant of $3,000 to help develop and complete a new tourism project in 2026. Applications were reviewed based on several criteria including creativity, ability to develop marketing skills, DEI, financial and community impact and market demand.
Scott Van Schyndel of Scotch and Ponder in Ingersoll will use the grant to prepare their patio to host events where distillers and brewers will deliver educational sessions that combine tasting, storytelling and insight into their production methods.
Sarah Senior and her sister Polly, founders of Good Pud in Tillsonburg plan to deliver a series of hands-on dessert demonstration experiences that celebrate seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that encourage multi-stop visits to Oxford County.
Hilde Makkink of Makkink’s Flower Farm and Bakery Café in Tillsonburg will use the grant to fund her new project, Bloom to Table – edible flower experience. Visitors will discover how flowers can be used in food and drinks and explore the flower farm through an interactive scavenger hunt.
In the nonprofit category new this year:
The Ingersoll Key Putt plans to use grant funds to update their mini-golf course so all 18 holes themed to celebrate the history and accomplishments of Ingersoll.
Lastly, the Zorra Caledonian Society of Embro will use the grant funds to host an International Tug-of War competition with participants from North Ireland, Nova Scotia and the US. This will take place at the Embro Highland Games July 1, 2026.