Tourism Event Development Program accepting applications

The Charlotte County Event Development Program provides reimbursable funding to assist in the development of new events, occurring in low or shoulder seasons which promote Charlotte County as a tourist destination. The primary objectives of this program are to attract overnight visitors to Charlotte County and to promote tourism in Charlotte County. The Program is administered through the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau.

The Charlotte County Tourist Development Council (TDC) is accepting applications for the 2024 Event Development Program (EDP). The application is available online at www.pureflorida.com/partners/resources/event-development-program.

Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, by emailing Brynja Phipps

at Brynja.Phipps@ charlottecountyfl.gov . Applicants must present their application to the TDC during the April 19 meeting.

Each applicant must meet with a staff member of the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB before the application is presented to the TDC. The presentation must include an overview of the event, how the event will be marketed and, more specifically, how the event will draw people from outside the area for overnight stays.

Funding will be contingent upon the number of applications received. Total funding available for the Summer Program (May 1 through Sept. 30) is $20,000. Total funding available for the Annual Program is $40,000 (May 1 through Dec. 15). The total program budget is $60,000.

Every applicant is required to attend and make a brief presentation at the TDC meeting during which their application is scheduled for review. TDC meetings are held at the Murdock Government complex at 18500 Murdock Circle, Building B, Room 106, Port Charlotte. The meetings begin at 9:00 a.m.

For more information about the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau, see www.pureflorida.com . ¦

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