CHEROKEE  TOURISM  GRANT/LOAN  PROGRAM

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL

FORMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
    1.  Grants - Eligible are events, programs and projects that are considered non-revenue generating.  Examples would
         be new events that have not previously been held in Cherokee, and/or events that typically are held without charge
         to the participant.  Maximum grant is $3,000.  Grant shall be matched dollar for dollar by the applicant; in other
         words, a $3,000 grant will require $3,000 in matching funds.

    2.  No Interest Loans - Eligible are events, programs and projects that are revenue generating in nature - particularly
         those that have successfully proven to attract visitors to the community.  Sponsors will be asked to price their
         event so that tourism financial incentive funds are utilized primarily for interim financing.  Loans are to be repaid
         to the City for reinvestment in the program.  Loans may become forgivable if unforeseen circumstances such as
         weather or similar factors result in actual revenues not meeting budgeted revenues.  Maximum loan is $5,000.

USE OF FUNDS:  Priority will be giving to
    1.  Marketing/Advertising and promotional expenses that draw new visitors to the community.
    2.  Events that contain elements that promote Cherokee as a place to live, work and raise a family will also be given
         high priority.
    3.  Events that generate additional hotel/motel tax revenues as a result of increased overnight stays in the city's hotels
         and motels.

ELIGIBILITY:
         Any recreational, cultural, entertainment or educational event, program or project held within the city limits of
         Cherokee that attracts visitors to the community.

NON-ELIGIBLE:
         Events where the majority of revenue generated will be directed to regional, statewide or national organizations
         or causes that will not directly benefit the Cherokee community.

PROCESS:
         Applications are available at City Hall.
         Committee meets quarterly, at which time applicant(s) will make an oral presentation to the committee.  Committee
will then make recommendation(s) to the Cherokee City Council, to be considered at the next regularly scheduled city council meeting.