Hello Bishop Chamber Friends and Community Members,
October is off to a great start in our beautiful community! This email is filled with announcements for many wonderful upcoming events and we encourage you to bookmark this page to stay updated!
There are several current grant opportunities for small businesses and local non-profit organizations.
Bishop Beautification Grant
The Bishop Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a new round of grant funding to enhance the appearance of our downtown area, thanks to a generous anonymous sponsor. Businesses and building owners in downtown Bishop can apply for up to $10,000 per project for work that may include:
· Removal, repair, or replacement of non-compliant signs
· Painting
· Lighting upgrades
· New canopies or awnings
· Other cosmetic improvements
Projects can also include renovations of historic facades or projects that help businesses comply with the City of Bishop’s recently adopted Downtown Specific Plan and signage ordinances. Grants may cover the full cost or be used with matching funds. Eligible applicants must be within Bishop City Limits and can include property owners or business tenants with owner approval.
The application form is brief and easy to complete. Submit your application by October 31, 2024. Note: applying does not guarantee an award. Funds are limited and will be awarded based on the impact and quality of the proposed improvements.
For details and application materials, visit www.bishopchamberofcommerce.com or stop by the Bishop Chamber Office.
City of Bishop Grants in Support
This program is designated to assist community-based, nonprofit organizations in providing community services, art activities, programs and events for City of Bishop residents and community members. 2024-2025 applications are due on October 31, 2024 by 4:30 PM. Click here for details.
Inyo County Community Project Sponsorship Program (CPSP)
Keep an eye out for this upcoming opportunity! The Community Project Sponsorship Program (CPSP) provides financial support for specific events or projects organized by non-profit organizations in Inyo County communities that enhance visitation to the community, or otherwise provide for the cultural or recreational enrichment of the citizens of Inyo County. Examples of past CPSP grants include Playhouse 395, “Movies at the Museum,” Inyo County Search and Rescue’s Range of Light Trail Races, an outdoor youth program, the First Friday Markets, Owens Lake Bird Festival, and other events from Tecopa to Bishop. Grant applications for 2025 projects will be available soon, so now is the time to start thinking of new ideas!
Tourism Initiatives
We’ve been quite busy assisting many partners with events! Of course, we gladly assist with event promotion via www.bishopvisitor.com and our social channels. Recently we’ve also helped by providing participant welcome bags, stickers & Visitor Guides for Fall Colors Car Show and the Lions Club District Conference. We provided planning and marketing assistance for Inyo-Mono Co. Cattlewomen’s Association Round Valley Round-Up dinner and the Hispanic Heritage Celebration. We hosted a welcome table at Millpond Music Festival. VCMC Dual Sport Rally is set for 10/11-10/13. Bishop Chamber will coordinate awards banquet and provide coffee and snacks during morning check-in. We have already been helping with lodging and logistics connections for a large motorcycle club event in May and the annual Highpointers Konvention in summer 2025.
Community
Believe it or not, we are already working on plans for Bishop’s community Christmas events! The lighted parade is set for Saturday, 12/7 with a patriotic theme. Railroad Express will return to Laws on 12/14. And the “shop local” holiday raffle will once again offer great prizes from area businesses and a $500 shopping spree. We know it’s only October, but these projects take months of advance planning.
Sustainability
Our mission is to promote business, tourism, and responsible recreation for the benefit of our community. We’re dedicated to attracting visitors who share our love and respect for this area. See our ad in Living Bird Magazine, a print and digital magazine produced by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We love this publication because it aligns perfectly with our mission to promote our destination in a responsible way.
Open
We always welcome new ideas! If you have something you’d like to share in our e-newsletter, please send me a message.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. We hope you find the information helpful and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
Have a great week!
Tawni |
