Market New York- Tourism Grant Program

The Market New York - Tourism Grant Program, managed by Empire State Development, aims to bolster tourism in New York through regionally themed marketing projects and capital improvements. Eligible applicants include not-for-profits, municipalities, and tourism agencies. With funding up to $7 million, the program supports initiatives like special events and tourism marketing. However, individuals and certain expenses are ineligible, ensuring funds are directed towards genuine tourism promotion and economic growth.

Market New York is a grant program that supports regionally themed marketing projects that promote tourism destinations, attractions and special events, as well as tourism facility capital improvement projects. Additionally, eligible projects include the hosting, coordination and execution of special events new to New York State, and the promotion of agritourism and craft beverage tourism.
Market New York is a grant program established to strengthen tourism and attract visitors to New York State by promoting destinations, attractions and special events.
Funding is available for:
tourism marketing initiativescapital/construction projectsthe recruitment and/or execution of special events, including meetings, conferences, conventions, festivals, agritourism/craft beverage events, athletic competitions and consumer and industry trade shows.
The Market New York program and each funded proposal will work to support the long-term strategic plans for economic growth as put forth by the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs).
Funding:

• Regional Tourism Marketing (Working Capital) – up to $7 million (Only minimum grant requests of $50,000 or more will be considered, not including grantee match)

Eligibility

Entities that may apply for funding include:Not-for-profit corporationsMunicipalitiesTourism promotional agencies (TPAs)Public benefit corporations and for-profit companiesBusinesses must be certified in New York State. Not-for-profit corporations are subject to New York State’s Not-For-Profit Corporation Law, and must have proof of incorporation (or equivalent document) from the NYS Department of State or NYS Board of Regents, a charities registration number from the NYS Office of the Attorney General and proof of tax-exempt status under the IRS code.

Ineligibility

Individuals, SUNY schools and NYS agencies are NOT eligible to apply for this grant.Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to, the following:food and/or beverages for consumption, including alcoholic beverages. These costs can be used towards the grantee match ONLY;loan, finance, interest and/or tax fees;any fees paid to NYS;mini-grants or reallocation of funds to other organizations, outside of approved subcontractors for the project;legal fees, insurance/liability insurances and/or membership fees;in-kind, donated, volunteer services;sponsorship fees;products being sold;any costs incurred for events held outside New York State;wayfinding signage (signage produced to be placed on city, county, state roads);fireworks, competition prizes, prize money and monies paid to participants. These costs can be used towards the grantee match ONLY;salaries, wages and/or staff time (outside of the 10% administrative cost);fringe benefits (such as health insurance, retirement benefits and other non - mandated benefits);rent or other operational/overhead expenditures related to everyday business, not including certain rental costs related to putting on special events, such as performance or competition space;expenses reimbursed from any other source or agency;capital expenditures, funds spent to acquire/upgrade physical, non-consumable fixed assets (e.g., equipment, hardware, vehicles, computers, etc.) and/or funds spent in order to maintain or increase the scope of operations. (e.g., property, renovations/upgrades, building construction, long term assets, etc.);permanent wayfinding signage (signage produced to be placed on city, county, state roads);training for awardee’s staff or consultants;operational/overhead expenditures (e.g., rent, utilities, office supplies, etc.); andother expenses deemed ineligible by ESD.