BID announces 2016 Special Events Grant Program
Funding available for marketing to potential out-of-area attendees
Durnago, CO – The Durango Business Improvement District (BID) has opened its 2016 Special Events Grant Program. Special event organizers planning public events in Downtown Durango or in the North Main Ave. area are invited to apply.
“The BID’s Special Events Grant Program is designed to provide financial support and augment marketing efforts to potential attendees outside of Durango,” said Tim Walsworth, BID executive director. “BID’s mission is to help sustain the vitality of our District, and helping draw visitors from outside areas does stimulate the economy.”
Recent research has indicated that for every dollar BID invests in grant money for special events, $115 is returned in economic stimulus. In 2015 the grant program had an estimated economic impact of $3.263 million.
The BID grants are reimbursement grants, not paid until the event is complete and a “results report” and additional required information is submitted and reviewed. Grants can be made throughout the year, but the majority of the available funding is typically allocated in the first quarter.
According to Walsworth, preference may be given to events that:
- show promise as a new event or program, or show growth potential for successful existing events
- have potential for generating new or incremental retail business, have ability to attract a value-added attendee, or can promote a positive community image
- represent events or activities that have the greatest potential for positive economic impact for local businesses
- are scheduled during slower economic periods such as shoulder seasons
- incorporate the Durango Welcome Center by holding some part of the event at the Welcome Center, encourage event attendees to visit the Welcome Center, or invite the Welcome Center to be a part of the event
- can demonstrate a history of successful out-of-area marketing
- link to The Durango Area Tourism Office’s website at www.Durango.org
- link to the BID’s website at www.DowntownDurango.org
- use Facebook and link to DATO’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/VisitDurango and BID’s Facebook page Facebook.com/DurangoBID
- allow attendees to opt in to BID email communications
Applications are available for download on the BID web site, DowntownDurango.org/durango-event-grants. Questions should be directed to Walsworth, [email protected] or 970.375.5068.
