Three Local Tourism Businesses Awarded $3,000 to Help With a New Tourism Product in 2022

Wednesday, 30 March 2022 11:20

Golspie Dairy, Greener Pastures Eco Farm and Snyders Family Farm have won the inaugural 2022 Tourism Innovation Grant.

Tourism Oxford, Community Futures Oxford and Rural Economic Oxford Development have announced the winners of the 2022 Tourism Innovation Grant.

Three local businesses are the inaugural recipients of the grant and will each be provided with $3,000 to help with their new tourism product in 2022:

Golspie Dairy: To assist with opening a new cheese factory

(Golspie Dairy)
Greener Pastures Eco Farm: To improve ground conditions for tours and camping

(Greener Pastures Eco Farm)
Snyder’s Family Farm: To create a new stage attraction

(Snyders Family Farm)

Those three were selected from 11 applicants. Each application was evaluated on creativity, innovation, feasibility, economic and community impact, as well as equity and inclusion.

When combined, the three award-winning projects will create 13 local jobs, support 25 local suppliers, welcome more than 5,000 visitors in 2022, and invest more than $1.5 million into the Oxford County economy.

Vice President of Membership and Business Services, Tourism Industry Assocation of Ontario Carol Greenwood says Oxford County is a region in Ontario filled with hope.

"The level of inspiration and entrepreneurs is impressive. In selecting the award recipients, we were challenged with the depth of presentations from brand new ideas to established organizations that were enhancing their products to be better. Each presentation shared the importance of their community, sustainability and the value of collaboration. This is an area in Ontario to watch."

Community Economic Development Officer, Community Futures Oxford Lindsay Wilson says this program demonstrates that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Oxford County.

"Selecting finalists was challenging due to the calibre of applications we received. We greatly appreciate everyone who applied and the judges from SWOTC and TIAO who brought their expertise to the process."