The Granville Tourism Development Authority mini-grant program is open and accepting applications for projects up to $5,000.

The mini-grant program helps county organizations and agencies promote and market events and activities that encourage tourism and create an economic impact. Funded projects should create visitor spending with a goal of helping stimulate events and/or activities that can grow  and eventually thrive on their own merit, without direct funding. As such, any approved funding should be considered as a supplemental resource only.

Eligible organizations include Granville County-based community groups, nonprofit organizations and municipalities – or recognized communities – located within Granville County.  A for-profit group may apply for grant funding IF the event’s revenue will benefit a community-supported organization.

Priority will be given to projects that encourage out-of-county visitors, with primary consideration given to those that promote the Granville TDA’s mission of marketing the area as a travel destination. The tourism industry’s definition of a “visitor” is an individual trekking outside of 50 miles to attend an event or activity. Events planned for off-peak times may receive higher priority.

Total funding of any event, project or program will not be greater than 25 percent of the total project budget and will not exceed $5,000. Included with the request can be a one-time artist/entertainment allowance of up to $1,000.

Grant applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024, for inclusion in the upcoming fiscal year budget (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025). The Granville TDA board of directors will review applications and make recommendations for approval at the June board meeting and award recipients will be notified after July 1, 2024, when the new fiscal year begins.

Applications are available online at https://www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/tda-mini-grant-2024-2025/

or through the Granville County Tourism Development office located at 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford. For more information, contact Tourism Director Angela Allen at 919.693.6125 or angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

Planning a big event in 2023? Whether it’s a wedding or other special occasion, the Granville Wedding & Events Expo may be just the thing to get your planning off to a great start.

Vendors are invited to join in the fun event, which is set for Mar. 4, 2023, according to Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen.

The daylong expo will be held at the Granville Convention & Expo Center, and it’s the place to learn more about wedding venues, vendors and other resources available to pull off a perfectly planned event, Allen said.

Vendors interested in participating in the expo should register before Jan. 13 by visiting:  https://surveyheart.com/form/6318838d543b010b1328e9d8.

Space is limited, with first priority being given to Granville-based vendors. After Jan. 13, vendors outside of Granville County will be able to sign up to participate, depending on space limitations and availability. All vendors will need to reserve space by Feb. 10, 2023.

Sponsorships for the expo are also available, as well as opportunities to distribute items to participants in “VIP bags” that will be given out at the event.

For more information about the expo, contact Allen at 919.693.6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.