Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant - Community Futures Oxford

Applications for the Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant are now open.

New

Non-Profits may now apply!

Community Futures Oxford has again teamed up with Tourism Oxford and Rural Oxford Economic Development to award three grants of $3,000 to local businesses, and two grants of $3,000 to local non-profits, that will develop or expand tourism experiences in Oxford County in 2026.

Grant Program Description

With growing interest in domestic travel destinations, it is important to offer exciting and innovative visitor experiences to motivate longer stays and increase year-round visits. The Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant encourages businesses to consider growing revenue through tourism.

Businesses that meet the eligibility criteria are invited to apply for the Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant by March 31, 2026. The grant committee will then invite finalists for a Zoom presentation (date to be determined), following a thorough review and scoring of each application. Applications will be evaluated on creativity, innovation, feasibility, economic and community impact, as well as equity and inclusion. (Scoring Metrics Below)

To inspire your application, read about our 2025 recipients.

Interested businesses should read the following eligibility criteria. If eligible, they can complete the online application.

For more information or to discuss your idea or eligibility:

Janet Wakutz jwakutz@cfoxford 519-425-0401

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 2025 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.

Eligible Expenses:

Capital
Professional business services, included but not limited to: construction, plans, consulting, photography, video, writing, product development/research, web & graphic design)
Items that would be considered innovative

Ineligible Expenses:

Staffing expenses
Inventory for retail
Items purchased in advance of receiving grant
Paying down debt
Expenses that would be eligible for the following partnership opportunities:

Special Consideration

The Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant is looking for businesses that will help Tourism Oxford meet consumer needs and bring new voices to Tourism. Therefore, the application review will reflect the following as areas of priority:

Handcrafted/Culture

Culinary

Sustainability & Outdoor

Experiences

Cycling

Equity Statement:

Diversity fuels innovation in community economic development. A measure of success of this program will include bringing more diverse voices into tourism industry in Oxford County. To this end, the tourism innovation grant will be inclusive across race, gender, age, ability, identity and experience. Equity deserving entrepreneurs requiring support completing their application are encouraged to request additional guidance as required. Further, if there are barriers that we may have overlooked in the process we welcome your feedback on how barriers can be removed.

To help you prepare, a question on the application asks about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). DEI aims to ensure fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially those from historically underrepresented groups, by removing barriers due to diverse identity factors that may include identity, ability, age, ethnicity, income, health, and more. The following are a few examples of how you may be implementing DEI at your business or attraction.

Explore more information on Oxford County’s commitment to DEI.

Representation & Visibility

Signage such as Everyone Welcome, decals with Pride colours or other welcoming symbols
Posting at your location, website or social media:
- Promotional images that include diverse models
- How you support customer equity and inclusion (dietary, mobility.)
- Recognition of cultural and awareness days (e.g., Black History Month, Pride Month, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, cultural heritage months
- How you support visitors with diverse needs (accessibility details, dietary accommodations & relevant policies).
- Indigenous land recognition

Staff and Community Support

If appropriate for your business, hosting events, volunteering, or donating to historically underrepresented groups.
Established HR policies that support diverse staff needs.

Visitor and Customer Inclusion

Adaptations to allow customers to participate and access your business or attraction (digital menu, lighting, large clear pathways, power doors, accessible washrooms, sensory support.)

Staff training or encouragement related to welcoming diverse visitors.

Being able to use language that doesn’t assume pronouns, family composition, cultural practices.

If appropriate for your business, respecting preferences and needs (e.g. menu/dietary accommodations, quieter nursing space, change tables in family or gender-neutral bathrooms.)

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.

Start Application

Grant Review Scoring Metrics

CRITERIA	MAX SCORE
Creativity & Need	30
Ability to develop	20
Marketing skills/plan	10
Economic impact	10
DEI	10
Community impact	10
Financial contribution	10
Total	100