Attracting Visitors, Bolstering Businesses
New funding available for local businesses’ marketing efforts
The pandemic—and attempts to stymie its spread—have been especially trying for local small businesses and the region’s tourism industry. Now, through a $100,000 grant from CFA’s Community Initiatives Fund, Visit Johnstown has created the Cambria County Destination Recovery Marketing Program.
Through the program, businesses will be able to apply for up to $7,000 in funding to market their businesses and the region’s assets.
“The Community Foundation recognizes the economic impact of the pandemic on small business, especially the ones targeted with this grant opportunity,” CFA President Mike Kane said. “The intent of this is to provide support for those businesses to develop avenues to increase revenues and keep their businesses open and their people employed. Small businesses, including nonprofit businesses, are the lifeblood of a community, and we want to do what we can to be helpful during this unusual time. We are appreciative of Visit Johnstown’s partnership in making this happen.”
The purpose of the program is to provide marketing funds to influence participation in the area’s outdoor recreation and tourism activities, generate visitor spending in our communities, and foster collaboration between tourism attractions and related businesses. Related businesses within the tourism industry include dining, lodging, retail entertainment, and services. The program should strive to promote authentic experiences and convey a sense of place to travelers from outside of the community.
Funds can be used towards the development and promotion of packages/experiences that feature a primary activity and include businesses that provide complementary experiences such as entertainment or dining, for example. These experiences could be day trips, overnight packages, or self-guided tours. Marketing efforts include advertising and ad design/production, digital marketing, radio and TV ads, email marketing campaign, etc.
Applications for the program will be accepted between Dec. 1 and March 31.
For additional information, contact Visit Johnstown Executive Director Lisa Rager at 814-536-7993, ext. 23, or lrager@visitjohnstownpa.com.
