Oxford Tourism Innovation Grant Winners Revealed

Tuesday, 15 April 2025 at 10:39

By Georgia Newman

The 2025 recipients of the Oxford Tourism Innovation Grant (Credit: Community Futures Oxford)

Three people won the 2025 Oxford Tourism Innovation Grant.

OXFORD COUNTY - Tourism Oxford, Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation, and Community Futures Oxford have announced their 2025 grant recipients.

There were 5 local businesses that were chosen as finalists.

After a presentation and Q&A, a panel of judges chose the three winners.

One of the judges and the Executive Director of Ontario's Southwest, Joanne Wolnik says she was impressed with the passion displayed by 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.”

The recipients include:

Alisha Wilson of Transitions Equine Assisted Learning: is adding a medicine garden to her space among other additions. She is Collaborating with Eric G. Martin, a Mohawk and Chippewa Native from Six Nations Reserve.
Founder of Jarful Local Refillery, Thessaly Sammon: is creating a ‘Scent Your Own’ station as well as adding workshops for people to create their own blend of essential oils, learn the basics of product scenting, and leave with their custom scent.
Katharina Otulak of Shop Fair/Square Inc.: is reviving Tasting Events that promote fresh, seasonal produce from Oxford County. The tastings will have four courses and include information about the environmental health benefits of plant-based and locally sourced ingredients.

They will receive a $3,000 grant each to help with their tourism projects.

General Manager of Community Futures Oxford, Allan Simm says these additions will attract folks to Oxford County.

“The Oxford Tourism Innovation Grant program is a great way to help develop and create new experiences for customers that live in Oxford and that can come from outside of the county to see what's happening.”

But it doesn’t stop at just the grant, Tourism Oxford, Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation, and Community Futures Oxford will be there every step of the way, according to Simm.

“We continue to support them throughout the project and then follow up to see what the accomplishments were and then to share those as well. So yeah, we're really excited about this program and how it's a great opportunity to boost these entrepreneurs and to expand their services.”

The 3 grant recipients will support eight local suppliers as well as invest over $13,000 into the Oxford County economy.