Money could grow on trees – that’s why Cody Yellowstone has money available for projects that will attract tourists to Park County and keep them in northwest Wyoming.
A “tourist trap” is an establishment (or group of establishments) that has been created or re-purposed to attract tourists – and their money. While the phrase often has a negative connotation, many towns and states are cultivating new tourism experiences to keep people – and their money – circulating throughout the region.
The Park County Travel Council – also known as Cody Yellowstone – is launching a tourism-focused grant program for projects within the county that enhance the tourism industry through new outdoor recreation infrastructure, non-resident experiences, and other tourism offerings impacting local communities.
“These grants are a terrific option for individuals and entities that have great project ideas but need help getting those projects started or pushed to the finish line,” said Ryan Hauck, executive director of Cody Yellowstone.
All types of organizations – such as for-profit companies, non-profit entities, and local, county, and tribal governments – could receive up to $70,000 to actualize their “tourism traps.”
The timeline for the project is as follows:
February 16, 2023
- The application period opens.
- Grant applications may be downloaded on the Cody Yellowstone website.
March 17
- The application period closes. Initial applications will be reviewed by the Destination Development Committee, comprised of Hauck and four members of the P.C.T.C. Board of Directors.
- Grants will be awarded within 90 days of this deadline.
April 5
- Successful applications will be pre-approved or denied.
April 20
- In-person presentations will be made to the complete Board of Directors of the Park County Travel Council. The board will give its final approval on the same day.
June 13, 2024
A final report on winning projects for the Park County Travel Council will be completed by June 13, 2024.
Any winning projects must be at or near completion by June 30, 2024.
Money for innovation is flowing into Park County in 2023. IMPACT Park County kicked off its first inaugural Park County Start-Up Challenge on January 30, offering up to $50,000 in seed capital funding for aspiring entrepreneurs with new businesses or products.
IMPACT Park County Offering $50,000 To Seed Bighorn Basin Startups
For more information or to request a grant application, contact Ryan Hauck at 307-587-8589 or ryan.hauck@codyyellowstone.org.
