Grants of up to £1,000 are available to encourage events to be held in Tendring and support local traders and performers.
Tendring District Council (TDC) is making a total pot of £35,000 available to seed fund events, as part of its Back to Business plan.
Alex Porter, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said the aim was to support a high quality events programme to support the district’s tourism economy.
“We know our local independent businesses have suffered during the pandemic, and this is part of our Back to Business support to re-establish their importance to both our community and visitors,” Councillor Porter said.
“With the anticipated increase in UK holidays due to international travel restrictions, including to Tendring and the Essex Sunshine Coast, we have an opportunity, through a quality events programme, to encourage visitors to stay longer, spend their money within our town centres – and hopefully enthuse them to come back year after year.
“As well as the town centres and businesses we also need to support and nurture the fantastic creative and cultural outlets we have here in Tendring, and by encouraging event organisers to use local artistes and groups will help to promote those sectors across the district.”
Businesses can apply for a grant of either £500 or £1,000 towards events held in town or village centres, or seafronts close to them, which use local traders or performers.
Event organisers must supply cost plans and risk assessments as part of their application, as well as meeting the local criteria, and events are to be held within three months of getting a grant.
To apply to the fund visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/business/event-grant.