Tourism is vital to South Dakota's economy. That's why helping tourism related businesses grow is a priority of Governor Mike Rounds; and his Department of Tourism and State Development.
The Tourism Enhancment Program is earmarked specifically for feasibility studies and marketing of value added tourism projects. This fund is another big step toward growing tourism in South Dakota.
Using funds from the Tourism Enhancment Program, the Governor hopes to: attract more visitors to South Dakota from other states and countries; lengthen the stay of visitors to South Dakota; expand the visitor season to the shoulder seasons; create primary jobs in the visitor industry and expand upon the historical, cultural, scenic, wildlife and other resources in South Dakota.
STEP 1: Assemble preliminary information on project prior to contacting the Department of Tourism and State Development.
STEP 2: Submit a complete application. Include any additional documents necessary to explain your project.
STEP 3: Wait for approval. All complete applications will be presented to the Board of Economic Development at the nest special or regularly scheduled meeting.
How it Works
- Any for-profit business, nonprofit cooperative or group that forms an eligible legal entity may apply for a loan from the subfund.
- Loans cannot exceed 45 percent of the total project costs for marketing, feasibility study expenses or other project expenses.
- Applicant must provide equity contribution of at least 10 percent of the total project cost for marketing, feasibility study expenses or other project expenses as determined by the board.
- Applications can be submitted at any time. Reviews of applications are done as they arrive.
- The staff of the Department of Tourism and State Development will screen all applications for completeness and eligibility upon receipt.
- Loan proceeds may be used for necessary services for feasibility or marketing studies or other eligible project costs.
- The maturity of a loan may not be more than five years with payments amortized over not more than 20 years.
- The staff at the Department of Tourism and State Development will present the application to the Board of Economic Development within 30 days of receiving it.
View Rules for Tourism Enhancment Program 
Applications
Option 1:
You may view and print the application as a PDF file using Adobe Reader. Please note that while you may type your information onto this application and then print it, once you leave the site the information will not be saved. If you do not currently have Adobe Reader, click on the Get Adobe Reader button below to download the program for free.
Tourism Enhancment Program Application
Option 2:
You may open the application as a Microsoft Word file and save it to your computer. The file can then be filled out and printed. *If you do not have Microsoft Word, you will not be able to open this application.
Tourism Enhancment Program Application (Word)
For additional information contact Charles Van Gerpen, 605 773-3301 or 800-872-6190
REDI Loans
