The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed a new funding program this month to support the local tourism industry.
The Marketing Assistance Funding Program, which is managed by the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, offers a funding opportunity to tourism-related businesses in Marion County to enhance their marketing efforts leveraged with the Ocala/Marion County destination brand.
The program aims to assist site-based businesses that provide services to visitors beyond events and, by the nature of their existence, attract visitation to the region or offer reasons for visitors to extend their stay in the destination. These businesses include attractions, outfitters, and restaurants, as well as those relating to art, heritage/history, and culture.
Eligible organizations may request a maximum of $5,000 as part of the Marketing Assistance Funding Program. The 2023 application window is now open, and the deadline to apply is Friday, August 4.
According to the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, requesting agencies must attend one of the application workshops, review the guidelines, and submit the application along with all supporting information electronically by the deadline. The link to the application will not be available until after the first workshop date on Thursday, July 6 at 2 p.m.
Interested organizations are invited to attend one of the following workshops:
- Workshop 1: Thursday, July 6, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Workshop 2: Thursday, July 20, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Both workshops will be held at the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, which is located at 109 W Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala. Click here to review the guidelines to learn how to RSVP to the required workshops.
For more information, visit Ocala/Marion County’s “Funding Programs” webpage. Any organizations with additional questions should contact the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau via phone (352-438-2800) or email (sales@marionfl.org).