CLEARFIELD – Starting immediately, Visit Clearfield County (VCC) will accept applications for Tourism Attraction Development (TAD) funding. This is a competitive $25,000 non-matching funding program, which is open to projects in Clearfield County.
The purpose of the funding is to build and or enhance tourism attractions in Clearfield County and to continue toward the VCC’s mission of tourism as an economic driver. Funding is available for two qualifying projects within this fiscal year.
“This monumental program will give Clearfield County an edge in the tourism industry and make our entire region more marketable to visitors, businesses and locals alike,” said Executive Director Holly Komonczi. “The Visit Clearfield County board of directors is dedicated to seeing [that] tourism continues to create jobs and enhance revenue within our entire community.
What is a Tourism Project?
Komonczi said a qualifying project will enhance the “stayability” of Clearfield County within Clearfield County. She said for every one hour of travel time, people need four hours of entertainment to generate an overnight stay. She said the VCC prefers projects that will be building on the local natural, historical, cultural or recreational assets.
What does a successful candidate possess?
Komonczi said qualifying applicants might be individuals who are looking to build upon an existing attraction/business that will add a separate but related feature or a new attraction/business that would potentially generate overnight stays. She said that state and federal governmental agencies and events do not qualify for the TAD funding program. She said the applicant will have a solid business plan, showing a sustainability strategy, and it must be permanent and at least seasonal in its operation.
Komonczi said there is a three-part process with the first being to prepare and notarize the TAD program application. The application can be found online, obtained by calling 814-765-5734 or by visiting the office currently located at 12 N. Front St., Clearfield.
Komonczi said the application must be completed in its entirety, and applicants possessing the proper criteria may be invited to the second step, or the presentation.
For further information or questions, please contact the VCC office.