News & Events
CF Oxford Awarded Rural Inspiration 2026 Award
Thrive Oxford Recognized Minister Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs presented Allan Simm the Rural Inspiration 2026 Award for Community Future’s Oxford’s Thrive Oxford programming that supports women entrepreneurs in Oxford County. The presentation took place January 19, 2026 in Toronto at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference. “We’re grateful for this recognition from … read more
The Ripped Club TRC – Transforming Lives, Tillsonburg, ON
Owner Patti McCarragher, since 2016 Patti is in the business of changing and improving people’s lives, longevity, boosting confidence, providing a sense of community and belonging, educating on health and transforming their view of what fitness is – overall improving quality of life, she said. As COVID lockdowns were lifting, she knew people would be … read more
2025 Oxford Tourism Innovation Grant Update
Three Oxford businesses received Tourism Innovation Grants this year. Tourism Oxford, Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation and Community Futures Oxford partner on this initiative. We followed up with the recipients to see how the grant impacted them. Alisha Wilson, Transitions Equine Assisted Learning, said the grant funded the addition of a medicine garden and a … read more
R&Bcreeations, Woodstock, ON
Rebecca (Becca) Neepin, since 2019 Rebecca (Becca) Neepin received a Community Futures Oxford Young Entrepreneur Grant in June 2025. Becca has owned R&Bcreeations since 2019, an Indigenous-owned business that offers custom apparel, merchandise, and workshops rooted in culture and community. “I create everything from Every Child Matters shirts all custom personalized items with all holidays, … read more
D&B Construction, Tillsonburg, ON
Owners Ben and Dylan Taylor, since 2023 Brothers Ben and Dylan Taylor began D&B Construction in Tillsonburg two years ago and have one part-time employee. Recipients of the Young Entrepreneur Grant, they’ve made networking connections at a CF Oxford event that led to business opportunities. Connecting with CF Oxford has provided new business contacts and … read more
U-Fill Water Center, Ingersoll, ON
Owner Mike Christiaens, since 2007 In Oxford County, U-Fill Water Center received support through Community Futures Oxford, that allowed them to grow and over time add more locations. This support helped Mike Christiaens of U-Fill Water Center expand his Tillsonburg business by opening additional locations in Ingersoll, Paris, and Simcoe. “Community Futures helped me achieve … read more