Q: Where can I find the guidelines or forms?
A: All relevant forms and guides are linked through the HCTDA’s Grants page.

Q: I’m having trouble with the online application. Can I submit a paper application instead?
A: We only accept digital applications through Jot Form. Physical applications will be automatically disqualified.

Q: I don’t have a detailed budget for my event/project yet. Can I still submit an application?
A: No. All applications must have a complete, detailed budget attached to be considered for funding. Those missing a detailed budget form will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

Q: I have a great new idea to advertise my business and/or Haywood County. Will the HCTDA help me fund it?
A: No. The TDA’s grants and sponsorships cannot be used for standard advertising that promotes individual businesses – those expenses are a part of operating a business. Additionally, duplicate advertising messages can confuse the consumer. The HCTDA promotes Haywood County as a year-round destination, so we will not fund projects that would compete with our messaging. We cast a broad net to bring visitors into the county, and it is up to our partners to attract those visitors to specific businesses/ events /projects.

Q: I need help coming up with an idea. Can the HCTDA staff help me with that?
A: No. The grant applicant is responsible for forming an idea for their event/project. We will, however, provide feedback on specific ideas after the initial application deadline to allow applicants the opportunity to refine their application.

Q: How much money can I apply for?
A: The Tourism Promotion grant has a minimum request of $2,000 and no set maximum. The Legacy Event Sponsorship has no minimum request, but the maximum is 25% of the total project budget.

Q: How do I show/prove community support?
A: Letters from neighboring businesses, county commissions, town governments or organizations, etc., depending on the scope of the event.

Q: How do I know how much money each zip code has for grant funding?
A: This information can be found on the Grants page.

Q: What does “matching” mean?
A: Matching means that the applicant business/ organization will provide a certain amount of funds to “match” the grant awarded amount. The match may be comprised of ticket sales, sponsorships, and in-kind donations (non-monetary donations that contribute a service or product). The required match is a minimum of 50% for non-profits/ municipalities and 100% for all other businesses and organizations.

Q: Why are there restrictions on these grant funds and how the occupancy tax can be spent?
A: Visitors who spend the night in Haywood County lodging facilities (hotels, motels, B&Bs and Short-Term Rentals) pay 4% occupancy tax on their accommodations. Lodging properties collect the assessment, then remit it per state law for the HCTDA to leverage and invest on behalf of Haywood County – all through the lens of our travel economy and our local residents.

Since this grant funding comes from occupancy taxes, we must spend the dollars per Session Law 2007-337, House Bill 1013 which states: The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority shall use at least two-thirds of the funds to promote travel and tourism in the county and shall use the remainder for tourism-related expenditures. The law further defines those two buckets of money as follows:

• Promote Travel & Tourism:
To advertise or market an area or activity, publish and distribute pamphlets and other materials, conduct market research, or engage in similar promotional activities that attract tourists or business travelers to the area.

• Tourism-Related Expenditures:
Expenditures that, in the judgement of the HCTDA, are designed to increase the use of lodging facilities, meeting facilities, and convention in the county by attracting tourists or business travelers to the county. The term includes tourism-related capital expenditures.

Q: Which market should I target with advertising? How do I know which market the TDA already advertises to?
A: Refer to list of targeted destination markets listed on the “Grants” page.

Q: If I’m collaborating with other businesses, do we submit a joint application or apply as individuals?
A: To avoid confusion, please submit only one application for the entire event or project.

Q: If I collaborate with businesses in other towns, what should we put in the “Zip Code for Event” field on the application?
A: Please list all zip codes in which the event or project will take place.

Q: What if there are significant changes to our event/project that differ from the original application?
A: If the changes to the event/project are significant or will impact what the funding will be used for, you must contact HCTDA staff. It may be necessary for the change to be submitted to the HCTDA Board of Directors for approval.