The Niagara Benchlands Destination Development Fund https://niagarabenchlands.ca/ is now open for the 2023 season. This fund aims to provide much-needed financial aid to tourism-based businesses and organizations in Lincoln, supporting their development, enhancement, and expansion of tourism products and offerings. Launched in 2022, this initiative aligns with the town’s vision of fostering the growth and economic prosperity of Lincoln’s tourism sector.
The fund is available to a wide range of businesses and organizations located within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Lincoln. Eligible entities include for-profit businesses, not-for-profit businesses, public sector agencies, and private sector agencies that contribute to the diverse tourism economic value chain of Lincoln. They are accepting applications from various sectors, such as accommodations, culinary establishments, farms and farm markets, outdoor adventure and eco-tourism providers, retail and shopping establishments, tours and attractions, arts, culture, and heritage venues, as well as wine, beer, and spirits producers.
Mayor Sandra Easton of the Town of Lincoln recognizes the significant opportunity the Niagara Benchlands Destination Development Fund presents to local businesses. She emphasized the town’s commitment to supporting these enterprises in expanding their programming and market reach, encouraging them to seek new and exciting ways to attract investment to Lincoln.
Councillor J.D. Pachereva, Ward 2 representative and Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, highlighted the potential for growth in Lincoln’s tourism industry. He acknowledged the positive response from both businesses and tourists to the Niagara Benchlands https://niagarabenchlands.ca/ tourism brand, and he believes that this fund will play a crucial role in positioning Lincoln as a premier tourist destination, both nationally and internationally.
“We were thrilled by the interest from the business community in the inaugural Destination Development Fund last year, and we’re pleased to offer this funding opportunity again this year,” said the Town’s Tourism Coordinator, Britnie Bazylewski. “By funding tourism-based events and activations, the Town is supporting the tourism industry by enticing visitors to our community and stimulating economic growth, job creation, and investment attraction.”
If you are interested in applying for the 2023 Niagara Benchlands Destination Development Fund, you’re invited to submit your application starting from Tuesday, July 4. The application period will close on Friday, August 4, 2023. To access the application form and guidelines, please visit Lincoln.ca. Lincoln encourages all eligible businesses and organizations to take advantage of this opportunity and join us in shaping Lincoln’s thriving tourism industry.
Reach out to the following Town of Lincoln staff for more information:
Britnie Bazylewski
Tourism Coordinator, Town of Lincoln
Phone: 289-668-5009
Cameron Rotz
Economic Development Officer, Town of Lincoln
Phone: 289-668-0610
For Media Inquiries:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230
The application and guidelines can be found here: https://www.lincoln.ca/build-invest/economic-development-and-business/tourism/destination-development-fund
