Tourism Fund

VCEDA recognizes  tourism development is a part of economic development and in addition to attracting outside revenue to the region it can add to the employment base.

Projects eligible for funding should be connected to larger regional tourism initiatives. Examples include the Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, Round the Mountain Artisans Network, Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail, or Spearhead Trails. Projects not connected with any larger regional tourism initiative will not be prioritized.

Generally, public and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for loan or grant funding from this program. For-profit entities may only apply for loans from the program. A dollar-for-dollar match is required. Available funding for the program is based upon annual appropriation by the VCEDA Board and is derived from a portion of severance taxes paid by the natural gas industry in the region. 

Funds may be used for improvements made to tourism assets in the region and for equipment purchases related to those assets. To qualify, letters of support for the application must  be obtained from the county/city industrial or economic development authority of the county/city where the project is located and from Virginia Tourism Corporation and Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority.