March 20, 2023, Winnipeg, Treaty No. 1 Territory – Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is awarding grants up to $20,000 to non-profits, businesses or individual event organizers as a way to encourage more events downtown. The Host It Downtown grant has been offered by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ since 2015 but has been revamped to meet the needs of the downtown community post-pandemic.
“When downtown is full of people, it drives economic activity. One of the ways to attract people to the city’s core is through events and unique experiences,” says Pam Hardman, Director of Marketing, Engagement and Communications for Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “We hope this financial support will encourage more event organizers to choose downtown for their indoor or outdoor event.”
The Host It Downtown event grant is available to support new events, to relocate an event to downtown or to expand an existing event. Complementing the existing portfolio of events put on by Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, the grant aims to increase downtown visitation, offer unique experiences not found anywhere else and celebrate the diversity of the community.
“The Host It Downtown grant allowed us to hold a unique, free and family-friendly event at Blue Note Park last year,” says John Scoles, Owner of Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club. “The more events downtown, the more the whole community benefits. It means a lot to have the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ support the neighbourhood by helping to fund events here.”
Event applications will be assessed by a committee and criteria is based on five categories: anticipated attendance, cultural representation, economic impact, event plan/program and financial need. To be eligible, the event must take place within the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone. Events must be open to the public and have more than one funding source. Preference will be given to events that are free to attend.
Application deadlines:
- April 14, 2023 – for events occurring May 1 – July 31, 2023
- May 31, 2023 – for events occurring Aug 1 – Dec 31, 2023
- October 1, 2023 – for events occurring Jan 1 – April 1, 2024
Applications are open now and more information can be found by visiting downtownwinnipegbiz.com.
For media inquiries:
Pamela Hardman, Director of Marketing, Engagement and Communications
204-806-2506
pamela@downtownwinnipegbiz.com
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