Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Convention Promotion Commission has developed a tourism economic recovery stimulus program to provide financial aid and marketing support to the development of COVID-19 compliant events and programs to be held before the end of 2020.

Open to local businesses, organizations and/or individuals, the application period for the program begins today and is designed to support the creation of events and programs that will support the local tourism community, exhibit positive tourism potential, and generate awareness of Natchez as a desirable destination, a press release states.

Applications can be found under “Resources” on VisitNatchez.org. There is no cost to apply. Applicants will be notified of the status of the request via mail or email.

“We’re open for business and wanted to design a program that would tap into the creativity of our local community and allow us to come together and offer new reasons for travelers to come to Natchez,” said NCPC Executive Director Jennifer Ogden Combs. “With our expansive outdoor offerings, al fresco dining and bed & breakfast properties, Natchez is an easy place for a socially distant getaway. We are excited to see what type of experiences the community presents and to incentivize travelers to choose Natchez as their vacation destination over the next six months.”

The funds will be granted according to the guidelines below, on a first-come, first-served basis, and is dependent upon the NCPC’s ability to fund the program.

Additional criteria can be found on VisitNatchez.org.

Types of funding available include:

* Event Development — If approved, funds to be provided to assist the creation of events that are COVID-19 compliant and support local businesses.

* Marketing assistance — If approved, funds to be provided to organization to be used by organization in their marketing efforts according to the guidelines found herein.

* Marketing by NCPC/Visit Natchez — Funds not provided to the organization, but NCPC/Visit Natchez will market and promote the event. These efforts may include traditional media, social and digital advertising, etc. and will be at the sole discretion of the NCPC/Visit Natchez.

Funding decisions will be made by the NCPC and only completed applications will be considered.