Economic Development
Whether relocating, expanding, seeking new opportunities, or just visiting, Zorra is a great place to be. Located in Southwestern Ontario, Zorra is strategically located to serve the commercial, industrial and residential needs of the people within the region. Easy access to markets is available through the 401, 402 and 403 highways, connecting Zorra to major cities throughout Ontario and the US. Home to some of the best agricultural land in Canada, Zorra offers a scenic landscape of rolling hills, farms and rivers.
The two serviced villages of Embro and Thamesford offer a variety of businesses and services, allowing for convenience in a rural setting. The Township of Zorra has a diversified economy, with the majority of businesses in the agricultural, construction, retail trade and transportation industries. The Township contains many community groups that are dedicated to improving and maintaining the quality of life in their Townships.
Driving Distances:
- London - 30 minutes
- Stratford - 40 minutes
- Sarnia - 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Detroit - 3 hours
- Kitchener/Waterloo - 1 hour
- Toronto - 2 hours
- Buffalo - 3 hours
View a great 2022 video by the Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation about business in Zorra! Click here to view the video on YouTube.
The Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation (ROEDC) |
For more information, please contact Ronda Stewart, Economic Development Officer, ROEDC at 226-289-2437. Send Ronda an email. Visit the ROEDC website. |
Zorra Oxford Fresh Entrance Sign Program |
Project Background: Rural Oxford Economic Development submitted a successful application to Community Futures to increase awareness of farms in Zorra Township that are selling direct to consumers. This one year project will coordinate a laneway signage program for farm gate, test way-finding signage and increase awareness of where to shop locally through a marketing campaign. If this program is successful, aspects of it will be considered to roll-out across Oxford County. Oxford Fresh Entrance Sign Program: The purpose of this program is assist more farm gate in having an entrance sign at their property. All signs will also have a unified look making it easy for people to recognize it is a farm gate business. The signs will help advertise your business but also help people find you when driving to your location. This program is focusing on smaller farms primarily selling what they grow. As these are typically smaller operations people can use some guidance on where to go on the property. Drive up your laneway with a fresh set of eyes. How many doors or buildings could people approach, where do they park, how can they tell if you are open for business, once inside how can they pay? Helping them find their way onto and through your property is your first step in welcoming them. Therefore each farm participating in this signage program must meet the following basic requirements for customer service. Criteria:
Click here to open the application form for the Farm Gate Signage Program. |
Business Retention and Expansion |
In 2011-2012, the Township of Zorra partnered with the rural Oxford townships (Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich and South-West Oxford) to create ROED, Rural Oxford Economic Development. This was a temporary project which created a Business Retention and Expansion project to enhance local businesses and economic prosperity. The program worked to improve the competitiveness of local businesses by addressing their concerns and needs through a confidential interview process. The interview process was a structured visitation program that included a survey conducted by volunteers to identify issues and opportunities. The analysis of the survey results was used to develop a series of strategic actions that will assist to address the concerns indicated within the survey. The overall goals of conducting a BR+E are as follows:
For more information please visit the ROED website |
South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation |
The South Central Ontario Region (SCOR) Economic Development Corporation is a regional partnership comprised of the County of Brant, Elgin County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County and Oxford County. SCOR was incorporated in 2010 as a means to provide planning and coordination for regional issues, implement regional economic development priorities, identify funding sources and to partner with other levels of government, and act as a regional catalyst for investment. Visit SCOR's website to view various studies, annual reports and quarterly reports, as well as other useful links and information. |