Clackamas County outlines two tourism grant tracks available to Sandy businesses

Julia McCotter, a grant specialist with the Clackamas County Office of Economic Development, presented two grant tracks aimed at tourism businesses across Clackamas County. She said the acceleration track is intended to help small and early-stage tourism businesses grow, with a maximum award of $100,000 and a required business match of 25%. "There are two separate notice of funding opportunities for one for each track, and those are on the county's website," McCotter said, noting that the county is administering the program in partnership with the county Office of Tourism.

McCotter outlined eligible project categories—capital investments, physical improvements, and workforce projects—and emphasized that funds cannot be used to reimburse work already completed: "Unfortunately, the grant funds themselves cannot go to reimbursements," she said. Applications are open now and close on June 18, with awards expected to be disbursed in the fall. She added that a separate, technical/professional-services fund offers awards up to $50,000 with a lower 10% required match and is intended for time-limited vendor-driven projects such as engineering studies or marketing campaigns.

Committee members asked clarifying questions on franchise eligibility and geographic scope; McCotter said eligibility is assessed at the applicant location within Clackamas County and that lodging franchises are the only national chain type allowed. She also confirmed the program is funded through transient lodging tax dollars and that a review committee made up of tourism and economic development staff will make funding decisions. McCotter offered to share slides and application links and asked members to email her if they encounter broken links.