Tourism Grants and Loan Program
Mississippi cities and communities have a lot to offer when it comes to attractions and events. Through the programs offered by the Mississippi Development Authority/Tourism Division, assistance is given in a number of ways.
Mississippi Tourism Matching Grants Program
Guidelines Application
Hometown Mississippi Retirement Marketing Match Grants Program
Guidelines Application
Mississippi Tourism Incentive Program
Guidelines Application
This is an incentive program that allows approved "family-oriented entertainment enterprise" projects to recover up to 35 % of the original indebtedness or project capital costs or both within a 10-year period. The amount of the recovery is based directly on the amount of sales taxes collected by the approved project and paid to the State Tax Commission less specific diversions identified in section 27-65-75 except the city diversion. Campgrounds and theme parks are identified as examples of eligible projects. The project also includes 1) auditoriums, 2) dining facilities, 3) gift shops, and 4) lodging facilities if located on the project site or located within I mile of the project. The Mississippi Development Authority administers this program. Certain restrictions apply to entities having a gaming license issued under section 75-76-1 et seq.
A minimum initial capital investment of $5,000,000 is required for developed areas or of $3,000,000 for moderately or less developed areas. Developed, moderately developed, and less developed areas are defined in section 57-73-21. Capital investment for lodging and dining facilities may not be included as a portion of the minimum investment requirement but are eligible for the rebate. Guidelines are available online and may be printed. The Application for this program cannot be filled out online, but can be printed, filled out and mailed to the address provided on the application.
For more information:
Tourism Division
Telephone: 601.359.3297
Fax: 601.359.5757
Brochures: 1.866 SEE MISS (866.733.6477)
VisitMississippi.org
tourdiv@mississippi.org