DENVER -- The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) announced today the recipients of its Meeting and Events Incentive Direct Support Grant. This grant provides up to 50 percent of eligible direct-support costs, not to exceed $200,000, for hosting events in Colorado which affect multiple counties and demonstrate the potential to have a significant impact to the local economy. The event must take place before December 31, 2022.
Organization Name | Event Name | Event Dates | Event Venue City | Grant Award Amount |
Ouray Ice Park | Ouray Ice Climbing Event Series | 1/7/2022 - 2/5/2022 | Ouray | $200,000 |
Aspen International Mountain Foundation (AIMF) | United Nations Mountain Partnership Sixth Global Meeting | 9/25/2022-9/28/2022 | Aspen, Basalt/El Jebel, Telluride | $100,000 |
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic | Ouray to Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic New Segment | 5/28/2022 - 5/30/2022 | Ouray, Silverton | $8,000 |
Project Brush | 11/16/2022 - 11/20/2022 | Denver | $192,000 |
“Supporting the return of large-scale events is a key component to Colorado’s economic recovery efforts,” said Colorado Tourism Office Director Tim Wolfe. “The four grant recipients demonstrated the potential to generate significant economic impact and the state is glad to have the opportunity to fund new events and support those at risk of cancellation, especially after a tumultuous few years.”
This direct support grant was awarded to events that will affect multiple counties in Colorado. Funded by HB21-1263, additional selection criteria include:
- The event must generate at least 25 paid overnight room nights in a motel, hotel, vacation rental, or other lodging establishments
- Be a brand NEW event OR an existing event in danger of cancellation, postponement, or relocation outside of Colorado without program support Grant funds cannot be used for indirect costs, general operating expenses or alcohol.
The bill allocated up to 5 percent of the funds, or $500,000, for the Direct Support Grant program. To learn more about other grant opportunities through OEDIT, please visit the programs and funding page.