BEST Investment Fund
Business of Entertainment, Sport and Tourism
Hamilton County BEST Investment Fund is a tourism capital improvement grant program that supports projects that will create or enhance compelling, unique tourism products and events that have a transformative and positive impact on Hamilton County. The goal of the program is to induce new visitor spending—especially from hotel overnights—and create a positive, long-term impact on the local tourism economy.
Application for BEST Grant
To apply, all steps must be completed, and the application package (Eligibility Form, Application Form, Additional Documentation) must be submitted in its entirety before it can be considered for funding.
Step 1.
Indicate your interest in BEST by completing the following online forms.
- BEST ELIGIBILITY FORM — Complete the BEST Eligibilty Form and email to Karen Radcliff who will schedule a meeting with you.
- BEST APPLICATION FORM — After submitting the BEST Eligibility Form, you will be asked to submit a BEST Application Form. Complete the BEST Application Form using complete sentences, legible typeface, and complete thought. No handwritten applications or copies will be considered. Email the completed form to Karen Radcliff.
Step 2.
After submitting the Eligibility and Application Forms, you will be asked to:
- ATTEND AN ASSESSMENT MEETING WITH HAMILTON COUNTY TOURISM STAFF—Request an in-person meeting with members of the Hamilton County Tourism (HCT) staff to review details of your application and project.
- SUBMIT FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION—This can include the project budget and timeline, a business plan and financial information, ownership and key management information, organization IRS tax designation letter, current W9.
- INCLUDE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION IF REQUESTED—Additional information, research, or independent consultant review may be required to advance to Step 3 and will be discussed with HCT staff during the application meeting.
Step 3.
If project is ready for full consideration of the review committee, you will be asked to:
- MAKE A PRESENTATION—This requires a short, in-person presentation to the BEST Review Committee and/or Hamilton County Tourism Commission.
- LEARN DETERMINATION—Successful determination by the BEST Review Committee is required to advance the application to the Hamilton County Tourism Commission. Note, a project may make it through the presentation phase but not be awarded a grant, but the project could be considered viable enough for further consideration the following year, at which time HCT staff would continue to work with the organization.
Proposed projects must have all steps completed by June 13, 2025 to be eligible for 2026 funding. It is recommended that you start the process as early as possible in the event the BEST Review Committee defers the application for more information. The BEST Review Committee will review final applications in July 2025 to determine if projects advance to the Hamilton County Tourism Commission. Awards will be granted by the Hamilton County Tourism Commission no later than August 2025 and reviewed for acceptance by the Hamilton County Council in September 2025. For additional information, contact Karen Radcliff.
Karen Radcliff President/Chief Executive Officer
