CVB Grants

The Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau sets aside funds each year for the support of events and attractions that exhibit positive tourism potential.  Qualified organizations are eligible to receive matching funds from any of the three grant programs:  Co Op Advertising, Tourism Development and Tourism Growth.  These funds are to assist qualified organizations with their activities that directly increase hotel occupancy throughout the year, and which help build a positive image of the Hancock County area.  These funds are intended to promote local events and attractions to visitors from outside of the community and match the local promotional efforts contributed by the host organization.

All events must exhibit the ability to enhance the overall goals of the Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau.   Higher consideration will be given to organizations that demonstrate potential for accomplishing multiple CVB goals.  Priority goals for 2012 are:

Overnight Accommodations – The highest priority of the CVB is to drive overnight stays in local lodging facilities.

• Applicants should present a proven room sales history, or an estimate of out-of-town attendance.  First time events may provide a reasonable  projection of room sales or out-of-town attendance to address this goal.  A detailed description of any room or attendance tracking procedure should also be included.

 

Signature Events – A signature event carries the potential to become synonymous with the Findlay-Hancock County area.  These events build a positive image of the community, attract a significant number of visitors, and encourage visitors to make return visits for the event.  Signature events might include festivals, athletic events, meetings, performances, or other activities that are consistent with a positive community image.

• Applicants demonstrating a strategic plan, and a large scale scope of predicted results, may be considered a potential signature event, as determined by the HCCVB Advisory Board.  If applicable, applicants should discuss long term plans for event sustainability and impact.

 

Image Building – All events must project a positive image of Findlay and Hancock County.

• Applicants should demonstrate how the event will encourage visitors and area residents to experience the positive aspects of Findlay-Hancock County and support the local economy.

 

Hospitality Partnership Growth– Hospitality Partners are attractions, events, eateries, shops, lodging facilities, parks and recreational sites, meeting and banquet facilities that are currently engaged in the Findlay-Hancock County tourism industry.  The CVB seeks to strengthen these existing relationships and work to continually add new partners.

• Collaboration with new and existing hospitality partnership is encouraged.  Applicants may wish to describe collaborative efforts, partnership growth potential, and previous experience producing tourism events, if applicable.