Purpose:

The VisitErie Event Matching Funds Program was created to provide matching dollars to promote events to visitors outside of Erie County.  The goal of this program is to attract tourists outside of Erie County to these events.

Available Funds: $2,500

VisitErie has a total of $2,500 in available funds to be awarded for event marketing in 2023. Fund requests up to $500 will be considered. Grants will be awarded to 5 businesses holding an event in 2023. Approved project applications will receive a dollar-for-dollar match from VisitErie for event marketing. Checks will be issued 60 days prior to the event.

Eligible Applicants:

Applicants must be located within Erie County, Pennsylvania and draw out-of-town consumers.

Qualifications

• Applicants are not required to be partners of VisitErie, but preference will be given to VisitErie partners.
• Applicants cannot be participating or plan to participate in other VisitErie Matching Funds or Co-op programs.
• Businesses applying must develop a Marketing Plan outline to answer the questions in the form below.
• Events applying for funding must occur in the 2023 calendar year. 
   

How the program works if selected:

• Applications will be reviewed by four VisitErie staff members and scored based on these program criteria:
  
  • Target Market
  • Regional Promotion
  • Program goals
  • Program
  • Budget
• Business will develop and execute the campaign and send materials to VisitErie for review prior to the launch of the campaign.
• Business will track program and provide a report to VisitErie to measure its success and event participation no more than 30 days from event taking place.

Deadline for applications is June 30. Applicants will be notified by July 14.