Tourism Capital Grant

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA), operating under the brand Visit Haywood, offers the Tourism Capital Grant to support strategic capital investments that enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the long-term vitality of the local tourism economy. This grant is grounded in the objectives of the Destination Master Plan, with a focus on infrastructure improvements that benefit both residents and visitors. Its overarching goal is to foster overnight visitation by enhancing the physical and cultural landscape of Haywood County’s five mountain towns. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, museums, attractions, governmental agencies, and for-profit tourism-based businesses. Nonprofits must have operated for at least two years at the time of application. To qualify, proposed projects must be entirely located within Haywood County, demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from over 50 miles away, and have a lifespan of at least ten years. Additionally, projects must align with the strategic goals of the Destination Master Plan and have a minimum total project budget of $100,000. A one-to-one cash match is required, meaning applicants must contribute an equal amount to the grant request. In-kind contributions do not count toward the match. Applicants must also show evidence of legal control of the property involved. The program encourages capital projects that develop or enhance tourism infrastructure, such as outdoor recreation facilities, cultural and heritage sites, and innovative attractions. Examples include the development of trails, water recreation amenities, heritage preservation efforts, indoor attractions like climbing gyms or art studios, and family-focused experiences such as agritourism or children’s museums. Projects must not solely benefit a single lodging property and must comply with competitive bidding requirements as dictated by state procurement laws. Ineligible expenses include temporary projects, operational costs, real estate purchases, routine maintenance, movable equipment, or any project not clearly linked to tourism benefits. Additionally, projects completed or expenses incurred prior to the award date will not be reimbursed. The application process includes several components: a completed and signed application, legal proof of site control, a detailed project budget with committed funds, bid documentation, a site plan, and a project timeline. Optional documents may include marketing, maintenance, or feasibility plans. Applications are reviewed by the Product Development and Executive Committees, with applicants given the opportunity to present their projects. Final funding decisions are made by the HCTDA Board. The current application cycle opened on December 8, 2025. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on March 17, 2026. If requested, additional information is due by April 9, 2026. Final decisions are expected by the end of May following a structured review process. All projects must be completed within the fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis. Grantees must submit a final report and documentation within 45 days of project completion or by July 15, whichever comes first. For questions, applicants may contact Hayley Printz at 828-944-0761 or via email at [email protected].

Priority is given to projects that are shovel ready, have matching funds, and align with the Destination Master Plan.