Funding Opportunities in Fort Smith

The A&P Commission approved a minimum of $100,000 annually to support events, with 70% allocated to recruiting events and 30% to local events. If you'd like to inquire about event funding, email a member of our sales team, and we'll get back to you with more information.

Recruitment Fund

The Recruitment Fund is for events typically hosted by organizations outside of the River Valley region that require the community to bid on or recruit to hold them in the city. 50% of attendees must be from outside of Fort Smith, AR, and 50% must be projected to use overnight accommodations. Funds can be used for various expenses outlined in the bid RFP, including, but not limited to, facility rentals, marketing, transportation, catering, and signage.

Local Event Fund

The Local Event Fund is for events hosted by organizations within the River Valley region. Events must be new (operating for 3 years or less) or undergoing a “growth” intended to increase attendance (examples include adding another day to the existing event or adding a new venue to the existing venues). 20% of attendees must come from outside of Fort Smith, AR, and 10% must be projected to use overnight accommodations. Funds are limited to the following uses: facility rental, marketing to out-of-town attendees, and bid/sanctioning fees.

Requirements

All funds must have a minimum return on investment of $10:$1, calculated using Discover Fort Smith’s economic impact calculator (reports can be provided to events requesting funding). Funding is limited and is currently being encumbered two years out and beyond for future events. If you need funding for your event, please contact a sales team member immediately so the staff can evaluate it and determine whether funding is available.

Funding not available for your event?

Other ways we can support are through servicing. Examples include hotel or event signage, welcome bags for attendees, VIP gifts, a hosted hospitality room, sample itineraries for attendees, etc. Because no two events are the same, services are discussed during and after the sales process to determine the best support and experience for your attendees. The goal is to personalize your experience and provide services that elevate your event.