DENVER -- The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) announced today that applications will open November 15 for the Meeting & Events Incentive Direct Support Grant.
The Meeting & Events Incentive Direct Support Grant provides up to 50% of eligible direct-support costs, not to exceed $200,000, for hosting events in Colorado that take place before Dec. 31, 2022. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 3, 2021 for the first round of funding.
Unlike the Meeting & Events Incentive Cash Rebate which provides a 10% cash rebate against eligible hard costs for hosting meetings and events in Colorado, this grant may be used for direct costs to include:
- Production costs
- Promotion costs
“This grant is designed to assist us and our industry partners with soliciting large events that have the potential to create significant multi-county economic impacts for events anywhere in Colorado,” said Tim Wolfe, Director of the CTO. “We will work closely with meeting planners, associations and convention bureaus to target these large-scale events.”
Funded by HB21-1263, the Direct Support Grant differs from the rebate program in the amount applicants can request - 50 percent of eligible direct costs, not to exceed $200,000 - must affect multiple counties and demonstrate the potential for significant economic impact.
Other selection criteria include:
- The event must be held on or before December 31, 2022
- The event must generate at least 25 paid overnight room nights in a motel, hotel, vacation rental, or other lodging establishments – if vacation rentals are used towards the 25 paid overnight room nights minimum, the rental counts as “one paid room night” per night regardless of the number of bedrooms in the vacation rental
- Be a brand NEW event OR an existing event in danger of cancellation, postponement, or relocation outside of Colorado without program support - existing business or recurring events do not qualify unless there is supporting documentation stating intent to cancel, postpone or relocate
This direct support grant is for events that involve multiple counties and demonstrate the potential to have a significant impact on the local economy. Grant funds cannot be used for indirect costs, general operating expenses or alcohol. After the initial round of funding closes on December 3, there will be additional funding rounds based on funding still available. The Colorado Tourism Office reserves the right to award funding less than the requested amount based on available funds.
Interested applicants should go to the Meeting and Events Direct Support Grant web page for program information and instructions for application.