BEST Investment Fund (Business of Entertainment, Sport and Tourism)

Q: How much funding does BEST Investment Fund (Business of Entertainment, Sport and Tourism) provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

Q: When is the deadline for BEST Investment Fund (Business of Entertainment, Sport and Tourism)?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

HAMILTON COUNTY TOURISM INC

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

BEST Investment Fund

Funder: Hamilton County Tourism Inc.

Program Status: Established 2024; inaugural awards made May 2025

Geographic Scope: Hamilton County, Indiana

Funding Source: Tourism capital improvement fund

Created through Indiana Code 6-9-56, adopted during 2023 Indiana General Assembly

Funded by 3% of innkeepers tax on rentals under 30 days (effective January 1, 2024)

Collected locally by Hamilton County Treasurer's Office

Program Purpose:

Support transformative, tourism-related capital projects

Generate new visitation to Hamilton County

Foster business growth and economic development

Enhance community vitality

Keep Hamilton County competitive in tourism development

Promote long-term tourism and economic development related to recreation

Eligible Projects:

Tourism capital improvement projects

Major attractions and facilities

Museum experiences and exhibits

Event venues

Recreation and entertainment infrastructure

2025 Inaugural Award Recipients:
1. Conner Prairie Museum Experience Center - Funding for museum renovation and installation of The Curious Life permanent exhibit (only one in the Midwest)
2. Koteewi Run Tubing Hill Expansion - Funds for improved snow-making equipment and people-mover system
3. Fishers Event Center - Support for new event center (opened November 2024)
4. Arena at Innovation Mile - Support for new event center in Noblesville (opened Summer 2025)

Contact Information:

Karen Radcliff, President & Chief Executive Officer

Hamilton County Tourism Inc.

37 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: 317-848-3181

Email: info@hamiltoncountytourism.com

Related Documents:

Hamilton County Commissioners Ordinance No 09-21-23-B

Hamilton County 2023 Revised Tax Ordinance

Indiana Code Chapter 56: Hamilton County Innkeepers Tax

How to Apply

Application Process

Detailed application procedures are not provided in available website content. Applicants should contact:

Karen Radcliff
President & Chief Executive Officer
Hamilton County Tourism Inc.
Email: info@hamiltoncountytourism.com
Phone: 317-848-3181
37 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032

Application Overview:

Projects undergo thorough assessment by BEST Review Committee

Applications are reviewed and voted on by Hamilton County Tourism Commission

Program appears to operate on a project-by-project basis rather than fixed deadlines

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