Applications for the next round of Tourism Development Fund grants are now available online, Williamsburg city officials announced Monday.
The TDF application process consists of two phases. The first phase, open now, is due March 13. This phase establishes eligibility before inviting applicants to participate in phase II in April.
Qualified applicants then complete the Phase II application and present their proposed projects to the Tourism Development Grant Review Committee in June, officials said.
Differing from the previous grant cycle, the FY21 application process is now fully online creating a more user-friendly experience for the parties involved. Applicants can save their progress and easily upload attachments as necessary.
Officials said the purpose of the TDF is to “increase patronage to restaurants, attractions, hotels, and events in the City of Williamsburg through financial assistance and reinvestment in tourism products, place-making projects, and public-private partnerships.”
City Council adopted its TDF policy on Aug. 10, 2017, revised it on Feb. 14, 2019 to recognize the creation of the Williamsburg Tourism Council and its mission to market the area for tourism, and appointed members of the Tourism Development Grant Review Committee in January 2019.
The TDF is funded through the half of the 1 percent sales tax increase that is collected in the city, as set by Senate Bill 942 (2018). The other half of the 1 percent sales tax is allocated to the Williamsburg Tourism Council to market the Williamsburg region to visitors, officials said.
The first grant cycle completed in November 2019 when City Council approved seven grant recommendations.
Workshops
The Economic Development Department and the Tourism Development Grant Review Committee will host two “open house” workshops where potential applicants are invited to stop by and ask questions about proposed projects or the application process.
The workshops are scheduled for Friday from noon to 2 p.m. in room 128 of the Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary St., and Feb. 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Copper Fox Distillery, 901 Capitol Landing Road.
“If you are considering applying for a TDF grant, but are unable to attend one of our workshops, we are happy to speak with your group or organization directly,” said Joanna Skrabala, tourism development specialist. “Just call our office at 757-220-6129 and we can walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have about the fund.”
