Individuals or organizations with ideas for events capable of attracting large audiences to Charlotte County are invited to submit proposals to the county’s Tourist Development Council. Selected applicants will be asked to give a brief presentation, and approved events will receive reimbursable funding.

Applications must be completed online and emailed to Brynja Phipps at Brynja.Phipps@PureFlorida.com no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 23.

The Charlotte County Tourism Event Development Program provides funding to support new events scheduled during low or shoulder seasons. Lois Croft, spokesperson for the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau, which administers the program, said its goal is to help seed new events that demonstrate a significant likelihood of attracting overnight visitors and enhance tourism within Charlotte County.

Applicants must meet with the program liaison or the VCB’s tourism director before presenting to the TDC. Required presentations must include an overview of the event, a marketing plan and an explanation of how the event will draw visitors from outside the region for overnight stays.

The presentation format is similar to the pitch style featured on the TV show “Shark Tank,” in which participants make concise cases for why their ideas should be selected. Clear justification for how the event will generate one or more overnight stays in Charlotte County is essential.

Visitors staying in short-term lodging pay a 5% Tourism Development Tax, which generates millions of dollars annually to support marketing, advertising and partnerships with domestic and international tour operators.

Event funding amounts will depend on the number of applications received. The Summer Program, running May 1 through Sept. 30, offers $20,000. The Annual Program, running May 1 through Dec. 15, provides $40,000, for a total annual program budget of $60,000.

Applicants must attend the TDC meeting at which their proposal is reviewed. The program liaison will provide the meeting date in advance. TDC meetings begin at 9 a.m. at the Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Building B, Room 106.