Local businesses among recipients of $581,607 in state leveraging funds

The Virginia Tourism Corporation has multiple programs to encourage people to travel to destinations across the Commonwealth. One of them is the Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program.

“By leveraging public-private partnerships, these programs support Virginia’s creative, outdoor, and small business-based tourism economy and will draw thousands of additional visitors to Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin in an information release sent out on December 4.

Under the program, grantees are awarded public funds to match private dollars. In this cycle, the private side kicked in more than $700,168 with a a state component of more than $581,607. One idea with this program is to fund new marketing efforts to encourage new visitors during the off-season using the Virginia is for Lovers brand.

Here are some of the recipients in the region:

• C-Ville Bites LLC of Albemarle will get $5,000 to match $5,850. One of the items on their website are food tours.
• Albemarle CiderWorks will get $1,500 toward the Albemarle Area Bucket List matching $1,855.90.
• The Charlottesville Ale Trail gets $2,500 towards a marketing program called Hike the C.A.T., matching $5,800.
• Lifeview Marketing and Visuals LLC received $5,000 for their United Nations of Comedy program, matching $12,000. The most recent program was on November 16.
• Foxfield Racing LLC received $5,000 for the Foxfield Fall Races matching $21,709.
• Unlocked History Escape Rooms received $5,000 for the Unlocked History program, matching $5,000.
• The Front Porch Cville was awarded $5,000 for a concert series matching $7,531.
• The Fluvanna County Economic Development Department pulled down $5,000 for a program called Find Pleasant Grove to match $10,400. Learn more about the county park here.
• Southern Revere Cellars LLC in Louisa County received $5,000 for their “Unplug. Uncork. Unwind” series.
• Love Ridge Mountain Lodging received $5,0000 for their Love Ridge is for Outdoor Lovers program matching $5,410.
• The Indigo House Bed & Breakfast received $4,450.60 for a print campaign matching the same amount.

According to the release, $168,675 of the funding is going to areas of Southwest Virginia impacted by Hurricane Helene. For the full list, take a look here.

Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the December 5, 2024 edition of the newsletter. To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon. There will be new options in 2025 if you’d like to wait. Just please know I’m glad you’re reading!