UOT extends deadline to Oct. 1 for EDA-ARPA Grant Applications  

The Utah Office of Tourism has announced the deadline for EDA-ARPA grant applications will be extended until October 1, 2023. Three grant opportunities include: Feasibility/Economic Impact Studies, Product Development Studios and Implementation Grant. See webpage for application guidelines, webinar, additional information and grant portal.

Feasibility/Economic Impact Studies (up to $50,000) – NO MATCH REQUIRED
The Utah Office of Tourism is pleased to support destination development and management by providing funding for the study of tourism product feasibility and true economic impact. Grant awardees will receive technical assistance from a consultant to study and analyze the feasibility and/or current or projected impact of a tourism asset or type of tourism.

Examples include:
● Study the gaps and opportunities in our current tourism economy
● Is our downtown a good fit for a Main Street program?
● We have conducted an analysis, now how do we implement the recommendations?

Product Development Studios (up to $50,000) – NO MATCH REQUIRED
The Utah Office of Tourism is pleased to support new product development by providing applicants with training opportunities and consulting services focused on a specific type of tourism product. Recipients of the grant will receive technical assistance from a consultant to focus regional and local efforts on product development and management. This grant will convene stakeholders to create a shared vision, organization, and strategy for the development, marketing, and management of specific products, amenities, or activities.

Examples include:
● Developing a Utah dark skies network and tour
● Creating an association of Golden Spoke bike trail stakeholders to coordinate marketing and events

● Developing a southern Utah wine trail and tour
● Scenic byway committee
● Main street strategic plan

Implementation Grant (up to $25,000) – NO MATCH REQUIRED
The Utah Office of Tourism is pleased to support local tourism investment by providing eligible applicants to implement non-construction action items found in strategic plans to increase a destination’s management, marketing, and development abilities.

Examples include:
● Downtown street design
● Wayfinding sign fabrication
● Marketing plan for local events
● Equipment for events

If you would like a one-on-one conversation with UOT's destination development/grant team member to brainstorm ideas, projects or initiatives, contact Kevin Blomquist, kblomquist@utah.gov