Tourism Regeneration Grant - Veteran-Owned Business

The Tourism Regeneration Grant supports veteran-owned businesses aiming to enhance rural tourism in Washington. With a funding pool of $780,000, grants up to $50,000 can be used for projects that improve visitor experiences and infrastructure. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations, encouraged to collaborate with local marketing entities. The grant funds cannot be used for staff salaries or debt payments. This initiative aims to create sustainable visitor experiences and foster community inclusiveness.

NOTE: Tourism Regeneration Grants will not be available in 2025.
Tourism Regeneration Grants will foster safer, more inclusive, and sustainable visitor experiences across the state and drive overnight visitation to rural and underserved communities. Project eligibility for Tourism Regeneration Grants ranges from visitor education campaigns to disaster and climate adaptation planning. Tourism stakeholders may request up to $50,000 in grant funding for projects that include but are not limited to tourism infrastructure, outdoor recreation, festivals and events, and training programs for visitor/customer services.
Funding
SWT has allocated $780,000 to this grant program.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to match a portion of their grant request with cash or in-kind contributions.
Examples of Grant Projects
Safety lighting, hand/guard rails, ramps, and elevator repairs/maintenance for infrastructure linked to the tourism sector
Trail and tourism ambassador programs
Environmental sustainability efforts at large festivals and events
Accessibility efforts for people living with disabilities to recreate outdoors
Cycling infrastructure (includes bike lanes, repair stations, restrooms, etc.)
Parking/transportation strategies and solutions to discourage single-occupancy vehicles
Wayfinding enhancements and downtown beautification
Recreate responsibility messaging, incentives that change visitor behavior

Eligibility

Local governments, tribes, chambers of commerce, destination organizations, and other nonprofit organizations that support travel and tourism are eligible to apply for Tourism Regeneration Grants.Applicants are also strongly encouraged to collaborate with local destination marketing organizations and industry partners on eligible projects.Stipulations for Working with Contractors
Tourism Stakeholders should express an intention to seek contract work from a third party without naming a vendor. When describing the work, applicants should specify deliverables and the desired qualifications of vendors.
Applicants must also abide by the following stipulations as outlined by the Washington State Department of Commerce:If a small purchase veteran-owned business ($40,000)
The purchase limit can reach $40,000 if using a certified small or veteran-owned business as outlined in RCW 39.26.010(22).For purchases above $40,000, if using a certified small or veteran-owned business, applicants will need to follow the federal procurement process outlined in 2 CFR 200 procurement.

Ineligibility

Grant funds from SWT should not pay for staff salaries, debt, or interest payments associated with eligible projects.