Join the Destination 318 tourism competition to innovate and boost Shreveport-Bossier's tourism landscape!
The Shreveport-Bossier area is excited to announce the debut of the ‘Destination 318’ competition, aimed at supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. With a total prize pool of $100,000, local startups are encouraged to pitch innovative ideas that meet tourism needs. Applications open on February 1 and close on February 28, culminating in a Pitch Day on May 22. This initiative also seeks to engage the military community and promote economic growth in the region.
Exciting news for aspiring entrepreneurs and local businesses in the Shreveport-Bossier area! A fantastic opportunity is on the horizon, as the community gears up for the ‘Destination 318’ competition. This new initiative, born from a collaboration between Visit Shreveport-Bossier and the BRF’s Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, aims to empower startups focusing on tourism-related businesses. With a whopping $100,000 prize pool, the stakes are high, and the potential is limitless!
The competition aims to spark innovation and creativity among entrepreneurs to address unmet tourism needs in the local community. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux highlights that this is an excellent chance for new businesses to enhance the tourism landscape. Whether you’re dreaming up a new outdoor adventure, a fresh sports attraction, a unique hospitality experience, a cultural showcase, or an exciting entertainment hub, this competition could set your idea into motion!
Mark your calendars because the application window for ‘Destination 318’ opens on February 1 and will close on February 28. Entrepreneurs will have the chance to pitch their business concepts, with a strong encouragement to focus on aspects like outdoor recreation, sports, hospitality, arts, culture, or entertainment.
Here’s where it gets even more exciting! A total of six businesses will receive grant money at the end of this electrifying competition. The grand prize winner will walk away with an astounding $50,000, while other grants will range from $2,500 to $50,000. But wait, there’s more! There’s also a $2,000 People’s Choice Award up for grabs. Each bit counts, and these funds can prove invaluable for budding businesses looking to make a splash in the tourism sector.
One of the core objectives of this initiative is to fulfill the recreational needs of young airmen stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base. By catering to their interests, the competition strives to enhance not only tourism but also community engagement from the military sector.
The journey doesn’t just end with submitting an application. Selected finalists will have access to invaluable resources, including legal and accounting advice, aimed at fostering long-term success for their businesses. On top of this, a series of workshops focusing on sustainable business models and effective marketing strategies are scheduled for March 22, April 5, and April 12.
Finalists will present their pitches on May 22 to a panel of judges. This is the moment to showcase those creative ideas and trends that could change the tourism landscape in Shreveport-Bossier.
The ‘Destination 318’ competition is not just about the money; it’s about bringing locals together to foster pride and a sense of ownership in developing the tourism sector. By engaging in this collaborative effort, everyone in the community can play a part in rewriting the narrative of Shreveport-Bossier as a thriving tourism destination.
So, if you have a vibrant business idea that aligns with tourism, don’t miss out on this golden opportunity. Get your applications ready and prepare to welcome a brighter future for tourism in this charming region!
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