Back to list August 28, 2023 CAEDC Launches Two Tourism Grants Carlisle, Pa – The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) through its destination marketing arm, the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, is announcing the return of tourism-focused grants. The returning Tourism Product Development Grant and a new grant, the Tourism Recovery Grant, will launch on Monday, August 28th. The Tourism Product Development (TPD) Grant is intended to increase the number or products, experiences and services that draw overnight visitors to the Cumberland Valley. Awarded grant projects will increase the number of visits, length of stays and spending by visitors in the County. Applicants for the TPD Grant can request between $25,000-250,000 (previous TPD grant capped at $100,000). The Tourism Product Development Grant has been on hiatus since mid-2020. The new Tourism Recovery Grant is designed to help tourism-related industries recover from the Covid-19 Pandemic. Applicants can request between $2,500-$10,000 in funding for this program. The grant can be utilized for the purchase of machinery and equipment, marketing to new audiences, development of new experiences and deferred maintenance that increases tourism or enhance the visitor experience. For both programs, applicants must provide at least $0.50 match for each dollar awarded. “We’re excited to re-launch tourism grant opportunities for many businesses in the Cumberland Valley as they continue to rebuild and find new ways to highlight our area as a tourism destination” said CAEDC Marketing Manager, Ashley Kurtz. CAEDC began offering tourism grants in 2010 and has awarded over $1.9 million to 199 projects. Notable grant projects include a large outdoor entertainment area at Midway Bowling Alley, two Escape Rooms at Grand Illusion Hard Cider, portions of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, including the Conrail Museum, a new performance space at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and a tasting room at Winery At The Long Shot Farm. The Winery at The Long Shot Farm Co-Owner Tina Weyant said “We have been growing grapes and berries in the Cumberland Valley for many years, and we are so thankful for the generous support from CAEDC, allowing us to share our passion for making wine.” Learn more about CAEDC’s Tourism Grants here. Click here to find the Grant Application Interested applicants should contact Ashley Kurtz, CAEDC’s Marketing Manager at [email protected]. About CAEDC CAEDC is Cumberland County’s authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life. Offices are located at 53 W. South Street, Carlisle PA. For more information, visit www.cumberlandbusiness.com and www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.
