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FAUQUIER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - Tourism Development Grant Program

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FAUQUIER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Tourism Development Grant Program
GRANT APPLICATION
The Fauquier County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has established a Tourism Development Grant Program.  The grant program is administered by the Fauquier County Department of Economic Development on behalf of the Economic Development Authority. The purpose of this grant program is to assist Fauquier County tourism businesses in marketing and outreach which contribute to growth and success of tourism-based business through a matching grant program.
 PROGRAM PURPOSE
To provide monetary assistance on a matching basis to Fauquier County tourism businesses that furthers the overall growth and success through for marketing and outreach initiatives.
 
PROGRAM GOAL
To improve or expand business operations in a way that contributes to growth in tourism business gross profits, visitation, and collaborative success through marketing and outreach initiatives.
Previously Funded Initiatives
  • 2019 – Archwood Green Barns - $1000 – Marketing thru targeted FB ads
  • 2018 – Powers Farm and Brewery - $2000 – VDOT directional signs and on-site signage
  • 2017 – Flying Circus Air Show – website redesign and Google Ad words
 
PROGRAM CRITERIA
  1. Applicants may apply for up to $2,000 with a 1:1 match required. The match is a cash match only and is on a reimbursement basis upon receipt of documentation.
  2. Projects will be limited to no more than 10 projects per funding cycle, limited to funds available.
  3. Applicants must own or represent a tourism business (including restaurants, retail, accommodations, art galleries, wineries, and other recreational/leisure         destinations.) Businesses must regularly be open for visitation by the general public and provide visitor services.
  4. The business must be located in Fauquier County, have an approved Fauquier County business license, be current in filing and payment of all taxes due to the County, and be in good standing with county ordinances and regulations. If you are a new business and your business license is pending, you may submit a copy of your license with your Application for Reimbursement. Please note that a current business license will be required for reimbursement, and within the deadlines for reimbursement.
  5. Preference will be given to applicants engaging other Fauquier County businesses in the project, either as vendors or as partners in cooperative initiatives.           
  6. Changes in applicant provided scope or vendors, made after the application is submitted, must be approved by the EDA and Economic Development Department prior to completion of related work.
  7. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate new initiatives or initiatives that partner and collaborate with other Fauquier County businesses.
  8. All projects must be completed within 12 months of grant award and grant agreement execution date. 
  9. Funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis upon submission of the Application of Reimbursement. Documentation providing detailed invoice, proof of payment, and performance of project goals will be required as part of the reimbursement approval.
  10. If chosen as a grant recipient, the Fauquier County Department of Economic Development will administer a standard grant agreement between the grant recipient and the EDA setting forth the requirements for grant disbursement.
               Ineligible for Funding:
  • Annual maintenance or service fees including, but not limited to, website maintenance; hosting; domain registration; internet service; and priority listing fees.
  • Marketing efforts already provided for through County-wide initiatives overseen and directly funded by the Fauquier County Economic Development Department or the Incorporated Towns of Warrenton, The Plains, or Remington.
 
Eligible for Funding:
Marketing and Promotional Initiatives, such as:
  • Website development and enhancements
  • Marketing/advertising initiatives
  • Signage/Interpretive signage
  • New event(s)
Please note: If you plan to use grant funds for advertising, please complete the Marketing Plan chart on the following page. Preference will be given to applicants using funds as part of a larger media plan.
 
  • Other Initiatives to increase visitation of the business applicant, surrounding businesses, or to the greater Fauquier County business or tourist destination community.
 Questions or Clarifications?
Contact:
Laura Torpy, Tourism Coordinator
Fauquier County Department of Economic Development
21 Main Street, Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone: (540) 422-8270
Fax: (540) 422-8269
e-mail: laura.torpy@fauquiercounty.gov

FAUQUIER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - Tourism Development Grant Program