Empire State Development to offer $12 million in tourism grants

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s chief economic-development agency, Empire State Development, announced that it is offering $12 million in new Market NY grants to help fund projects that boost tourism, create jobs, and advance regional strategic plans, according to a news release it issued Thursday.

The money is part of the latest round of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative, which seeks to help boost investment and economic development in the state, according to the release, and is available to municipalities, businesses, nonprofits, and other entities.

The $12 million is divided into two categories, each with different requirements, according to the release. Regional tourism marketing grants will comprise $5 million of the grant money, while tourism-facility funding will make up the other $7 million. Applicants with regional tourism proposals that have both marketing and capital elements can apply for both categories, according to the release.

A consolidated funding application (CFA) must be completed to compete for Market NY grants. The deadline for submitting a CFA is July 31, at 4 p.m.

“One of our key goals is to continue to enhance and promote the state’s unique regional assets,” Gavin Landry, executive director of Empire State Development’s Division of Tourism, said in the release. “With that in mind, we encourage every tourism-related business and organization to consider ways in which they can leverage our resources to contribute to a more successful and prosperous future for their region and for New York State.”