DOBSON — The Surry County Tourism Development Authority is announcing its 2010 Tourism Incentive Grants application cycle. This program is designed to stimulate visitor spending and increase overnight stays in the tourism-sector of Surry County’s economy.

This program will provide matching funds to encourage growth for local businesses and entities whose sources of income are dependent on visitor spending.

Eligible businesses and entities for this grant program must be located within the unincorporated areas of Surry County. The maximum award amount is $5,000 and the deadline for application submissions is at 5 p.m. on March 15.

In 2009, Surry County awarded five tourism incentive grants totaling $18,044.

n The primary function of the business or entity must be catering to tourists and depend to some extent on visitor spending and overnight stays within Surry County.

n Eligible projects include: paid advertising, regional tourism memberships, new equipment or materials, capital projects, business infrastructure, brochures, and festival or special event planning.

n The business or entity must be located entirely within the unincorporated areas of Surry County and must be open to the general public.

n New start-up businesses or entities are eligible for funding under this program; however, applicants must show evidence of demand for the services they intend to provide. A market study or analysis performed by a third party may be required.

n The proposal must describe in detail how it will stimulate an increase in visitor spending or overnight stays which will in turn lead to new job creation at the business or indirectly in the Surry County TDA Tourism Incentive Grant Program 2 community. An acceptable process for measuring success must be included in the proposal.

n If the proposal includes the purchase of any machinery or equipment then a minimum of two bids must be submitted for each item within the proposal.

n Proposals for a festival or special event must include a plan and commitment for the continuation of the event for a period of two years beyond the initial funding year.

n Projects that have already started are eligible for funds; however, funds cannot be used to reimburse expenses already incurred.

n The project must comply with all applicable Surry County or municipal land use regulations.

For more information about this program contact the Surry County Economic Development and Tourism Office, c/o Tourism Incentive Grant Program, 118 Hamby Road, Suite 342, Dobson, NC 27017.

For more information, call 401-8390.