Newsroom

The Oxford Economic Stimulus Fund has provided COVID-19-related stimulus grants to three local organizations in its first release of funds in 2021 for a total of $33,995 in funding.

The local organizations that received funding include the Ingersoll BIA ($5,000), the Woodstock BIA ($25,000), and the Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts (ITOPA) ($3,995).

The Ingersoll BIA has been approved for funding to support a marketing campaign that will attract visitors to downtown Ingersoll and promote the Ingersoll BIA Bucks program. The Ingersoll BIA Bucks program provides vouchers to consumers that are discounted by 10%, providing an incentive to shop at any of the thirty-three participating stores.

The second organization to receive stimulus funding, the Woodstock BIA, has been approved for funding to support the “Love Downtown Woodstock” project which aims to safely welcome patios, visitors and events back to downtown Woodstock. With a focus on supporting businesses to adapt to outdoor dining and curbside retail space, this project will help the Woodstock BIA to leverage existing beautification budgets to make the downtown core a destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts (ITOPA) has had to cancel all production in their non-profit theatre since March 2020. As it becomes safe to do so, ITOPA is looking forward to the opportunity to welcome guests again. The stimulus funding they have been approved for will allow them to make the appropriate safety adaptations to ensure the safety and viability of the theatre now and into the future.

It is anticipated that these projects funded by the 2021 Oxford Economic Stimulus Fund will directly support 49 businesses, indirectly support 425 businesses, and impact 11 jobs with total spending in Oxford County across all three projects of $60,300. 

The second intake for grant-stream funding consideration closes on April 30, 2021. Individuals or organizations interested in applying for funding through the Oxford Economic Stimulus Fund should visit cfoxford.ca for more information and to access the application.

Comment

Virginia Armstrong, Manager, Downtown Woodstock BIA

“Downtown Woodstock is home to 300+ businesses, many of which are independently owned by people who live right here in our community. We look forward to the opportunity to use these funds to support some of the most heavily impacted businesses by making outdoor dining and retail space a viable option for restaurants and retail stores. This project will have an incredible impact on the recovery of Downtown Woodstock as we begin to safely welcome locals, visitors and events back into the core.”

Allan Simm, General Manager, Community Futures Oxford

“Although we are all feeling hopeful, the pandemic continues to impact the local economy. Community Futures Oxford is proud to support these projects which we know will have a positive impact on the economic recovery of Oxford County. The successful applicants will directly support small businesses, allow for the safe return of visitors and accelerate the recovery of some of the most heavily impacted businesses in our downtown cores.”

About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 121,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” The County operates as a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government that is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social.

About Community Futures Oxford

Community Futures Oxford is an independent, not-for-profit corporation committed to entrepreneurship and economic development in Oxford County. It is one of 60 Community Futures Development Corporations in Ontario and 269 across Canada. Its mission is to create and preserve jobs throughout Oxford County by supporting small business development, entrepreneurship and skills training, and by fostering community economic development. Visit www.cfoxford.ca for more information.

About Oxford Connection

Oxford Connection is a partnership among the economic development agencies of Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and Rural Oxford. It serves as a first point-of-contact for companies looking to locate or expand into southwestern Ontario’s manufacturing heartland. For more information visit www.oxfordconnection.ca

Contacts

Allan Simm | Community Futures Oxford
519.425.0401, ext. 23 | asimm@cfoxford.ca

Jenn Austin | Strategic Communication & Engagement
519.539.9800, ext. 3505 | jaustin@oxfordcounty.ca