Greater Augusta Regional Tourism (GART) announces the launch of a pilot grant program to begin in March. GART, which includes Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro tourism programs, will focus on Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro businesses who are concurrently applying for Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) funds. The pilot program is offering up to eight grants at $2,500 per grant.
Applications will be reviewed for regional impact, creativity, new initiatives and partnerships. “These grants will assist businesses in truly leveraging their marketing budgets,” said Greg Hitchin, Director of Economic Development in Waynesboro. “We would like to encourage businesses who are offering regional approaches combined with true originality to enhance not only their business but the community.”
Applicants will be able to submit the same application for both the VTC grant as well as the GART grant; the GART application deadline will be two weeks prior to the VTC deadline. Judges for the GART grants will include all GART Board members as well as one outside-GART representative.
“GART looks forward to seeing local business and tourism grow, and we’re excited to be a part of that,” said Sheryl Wagner, Director of Tourism in Staunton.
About Greater Augusta Regional Tourism (GART): GART serves as the regional tourism initiative for Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro. Founded in 2003 and formalized in 2007, the program includes the development and execution of marketing to promote the region as a destination encompassing all three jurisdictions.
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