The Delaware County Department of Economic Development is accepting applications for the 2023 Tourism Business Support Grant program. This grant program provides funding assistance to eligible applicants for projects that seek to attract visitors to Delaware County and enhance the overall tourism industry. Applications must be hand-delivered to the Delaware County Department of Economic Development or postmarked by 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
The Tourism Business Support Grant program is funded through the Delaware County Occupancy Tax. An occupancy tax was implemented to create dedicated funding to promote and develop the tourism industry within Delaware County and to stimulate economic growth.
The grant has three categories of awards: Code Compliance Assistance, Business Cooperative Promotion/Marketing and Lodging Business Capital Improvement.
Code Compliance Assistance: Projects that help support full time lodging facilities to meet all necessary code requirements, i.e. building safety, fire codes, water supply, sewage collection and treatment, etc. Maximum funding is $1,000.
Business Operative Promotion/Marketing: Projects that support tourism related businesses that partner on marketing initiatives and/or promotions targeted to non-county visitors. Tourism businesses to include lodging, attractions, events, venues, restaurants and entertainment. Events must be open to the general public. Maximum funding is $2,500.
Lodging Business Capital Improvement: Projects that improve/upgrade lodging facilities and enhance visitor experience – priority being given to projects that add new rooms. The primary function of the property must be as a lodging facility, not resident or other business. Must be an existing lodging facility or registered for the occupancy tax, current on fire inspections, properly insured, meet any other requirements of a lodging facility and be classified as a commercial property. Copies of these documents will be required. Maximum funding is $10,000.
All grants will be awarded on a competitive basis and will require a minimum 1:1 match.
For program guidelines and application, contact the Delaware County Department of Economic Development at 607-832-5123, or email ecd@co.delaware.ny.us or stop by the office at One Courthouse Square, Delhi. Program guidelines and application are also available by clicking here.
