Virginia Startup Grants: Boost Your Microbusiness with VTC Program

The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is providing Virginia startup grants through a reimbursable program tailored to aid small tourism-related businesses and promote non-peak seasonal visitation. The grants, which have an application period from August 4, 2022, to September 20, 2022, are accessible to businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees such as boutique retail stores, food trucks, craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, destinations, and events focused on attracting visitors during low visitation times. Marketing expenses eligible for the grant include digital and print advertising, social media boosts, hiring photographers and videographers, among others. The maximum award is $5,000 with a 1:1 cash or in-kind marketing match requirement.

Grant Program Overview

The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is offering a reimbursable grant program to assist small tourism-related businesses and to bolster non-peak seasonal visitation. The grant application period opens Aug. 4, 2022, with applications due on Sept. 20, 2022.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants should be tourism-related businesses that have 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and can include, but are not limited to: boutique retails shops, food trucks, attractions, craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, boutique lodging and B&Bs, outfitters, and events and festivals focused on attracting visitors during low visitation times.

Marketing Expenses

Examples of marketing expenses that are eligible include, but are not limited to: digital advertising, social media boosts and sponsored ads, print advertising, hiring photographers and videographers, rack card printing and placement costs at Virginia Welcome Centers and Safety Rest Areas, display and promotional materials for trade shows and events.

Grant Program Components

Who is eligible: Small tourism-related business with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees that can include but are not limited to: boutique retail, restaurants, food trucks, small attractions, craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, boutique lodging and B&Bs, outfitters and events/festivals focused on non-peak seasonal visitation.
Additional eligibility: Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and groups such as Planning District Commissions, Economic Development Authorities (EDA’s) and Main Street organizations.
Application Requirements: A targeted and research-based marketing plan that demonstrates how applicants will use the grant money for marketing and promotions to fulfill the purposes of the grant program.
Match Requirement: 1:1 cash or in-kind marketing match.
Maximum Award: $5,000
Application Period: Opens: August 4, 2022. Closes: September 20, 2022.
How to Apply: www.vatc.org/grants

For information and questions, please contact VTCMLPGrant@virginia.org

Question & Answer

What is the purpose of the Virginia startup grants provided by the Virginia Tourism Corporation?

The Virginia startup grants are aimed at aiding small tourism-related businesses and promoting non-peak seasonal visitation.

What is the eligibility criteria for businesses to apply for these grants?

Businesses eligible for the grants should have 20 or fewer full-time employees and can include boutique retail stores, food trucks, craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, destinations, and events focused on attracting visitors during low visitation times.

What are some examples of marketing expenses that are covered by the grant?

Marketing expenses eligible for the grant include digital and print advertising, social media boosts, hiring photographers and videographers, among others.