The Visit Canton Marketing Co-Ops for 2025 is a grant program designed to support marketing initiatives that promote Stark County, Ohio, as a destination for leisure travelers, event planners, and site selectors. The program aims to maximize the marketing investments of local businesses and enhance the recognition of Stark County through the Visit Canton brand. The grant is open for applications until November 1, 2024, and the funding amounts range from one thousand to twenty thousand dollars, with a grant duration of one year, specifically from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

The primary purpose of the Visit Canton Marketing Co-Ops is to encourage marketing campaigns that effectively promote Stark County businesses to targeted audiences. The program seeks to generate a significant return on investment for the county by presenting it as an attractive destination and encouraging extended stays. Eligible projects must demonstrate how Visit Canton branding will be integrated into their marketing efforts, ensuring that the county's identity is prominently featured.

Funding through this program is competitive, with requests of up to ten thousand dollars per organization considered. Co-op funds awarded will cover no more than fifty percent of the approved marketing expenses. Eligible marketing activities include campaigns targeting at least forty percent out-of-county audiences, tradeshow participation, and event activations that incorporate Visit Canton branding. Organizations must clearly outline how they will capture leads and utilize Visit Canton’s branding in their project execution.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations such as Stark County businesses, museums, attractions, hotels, local planning committees, Chambers of Commerce, local governments, non-profit organizations, and for-profit enterprises. The program prioritizes applications that demonstrate the potential for significant economic impact and return on investment for Stark County.

Submission requirements include a detailed project proposal that outlines the marketing strategy, budget, and how Visit Canton branding will be utilized. Applicants must also provide evidence of their ability to capture leads and engage with out-of-county audiences. The evaluation criteria will focus on the project's potential impact, clarity of the proposal, and alignment with the goals of the Visit Canton initiative.

The timeline for the grant application process indicates that the deadline for submissions is November 1, 2024. The grant period will commence on January 1, 2025, and conclude on December 31, 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the grantor, Allison Gromofsky, for further information or clarification regarding the application process. She can be contacted via email at allisong@visitcanton.com or by phone at 330.542.6375.

Overall, the Visit Canton Marketing Co-Ops grant program presents a valuable opportunity for local organizations to enhance their marketing efforts and promote Stark County as a premier destination. Organizations interested in applying should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and prepare a comprehensive proposal that aligns with the program's objectives.