Governor Glenn Youngkin announced over $581,000 in grant funding for small businesses, marketing organizations, and chambers of commerce in Virginia as part of the Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program. This funding will help drive visitation and generate over $1.29 million in marketing initiatives. The program aims to increase visitor spending by creating partnerships and promoting tourism during the off-season. Local partners will match the state funds, impacting 432 combined partners and supporting over 1,050 jobs in the tourism industry.
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick highlighted the importance of the tourism industry in providing employment opportunities at all career levels. The grants will support a diverse hospitality workforce and stimulate tourism demand. The funding will be used to encourage visitors to come to Virginia during the holiday, late winter, and spring break seasons.
Several programs in Charlottesville and surrounding counties will benefit from the grant funding, including C-ville Bites, Albemarle CiderWorks, the Charlottesville Ale Trail, and more. Additionally, parts of Southwest Virginia impacted by Hurricane Helene will receive funding to jumpstart the tourism economy and support affected businesses.
This initiative aims to position Virginia as an all-season destination and boost tourism throughout the region. The full list of grant recipients can be found on the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s website.
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