Thrive Oxford receives Rural Community Award 2026 at ROMA

Oxford Community Futures GM Allan Simm is presented with the Rural Community 2026 award on behalf of Thrive Oxford. The award was given to Simm by Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman, left, and Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson. (Contributed photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs presented the Rural Community 2026 award to Thrive Oxford as part of the Rural Inspiration 2026 celebration at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference.

“Thrive Oxford is being recognized for their efforts focused on assisting entrepreneurs thrive, just not by building their business, but by building a future in rural communities throughout the County of Oxford,” said Lisa Thompson. “In particular, this program helps women entrepreneurs develop the skill set to start and grow sustainable small businesses, to positively impact the local economy in their communities.”

Recognizing the importance of networking, Thrive Oxford hosts local International Women’s Day events as well.

“We applaud Thrive Oxford for enabling opportunities for entrepreneurs to plan for and build successful businesses in communities throughout Oxford County,” added Thompson.

“We’re grateful for this recognition from the Minister and for the opportunity to represent the work happening in rural Ontario. At Community Futures Oxford, it’s both our role and our privilege to strengthen local entrepreneurs through access to skill-building, capital, and trusted support,” said General Manager Allan Simm. “Through initiatives like Thrive Oxford and our ongoing International Women’s Day events, we’re proud to help create spaces where women entrepreneurs can learn, connect, and lead.”

Thrive Oxford supports rural communities throughout the year and is a business development program designed to meet the needs of women starting or growing a sustainable business in Oxford County. The program offers three key benefits: access to professional advice, a supportive group environment built on confidentiality, trust and accountability, and access to capital when needed.

Community Futures Oxford was awarded $48,000 from the Libro Prosperity Fund in December 2019 to develop Thrive Oxford, a program that supports women entrepreneurs.

“I am proud to congratulate Thrive Oxford on receiving the inaugural Rural Inspiration Award,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “This recognition highlights the leadership and innovation of women entrepreneurs who are strengthening our rural economy while making a meaningful difference in the lives of people across Oxford County.”

Rural Inspiration 2026 was an inaugural event at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference.

Thrive Oxford is hosting a breakfast and workshop in recognition of International Women’s Day on Feb. 25, at Ingersoll’s Elm Hurst Inn. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $50 and available on Eventbrite.

Lisa Grogan, the Founder and CEO of Overlap Associates, is presenting. She runs the boutique strategy and experience firm that helps organizations strengthen customer and community experiences through practical, human-centred methods. Over the past decade, Lisa has supported teams to clarify what matters most, understand the people they serve, and turn insights into action. Her work is known for being warm, grounded, and highly practical, with tools participants can use immediately in their business.