TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Thanks to the Open for Tourism funding, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce is available for another round of project proposals that will benefit the city and its people.

Several projects throughout Terre Haute have been successful thanks to the Open for Tourism funding. The initiative was organized by Launch Terre Haute, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, and the City of Terre Haute to help strengthen the local business community and to prepare for increased tourism that is expected to come from events and spaces like the Terre Haute Convention Center, Terre Haute Casino Resort, 2024 Solar Eclipse and more. 

The approach to increasing tourism is one of the six pillars the Chamber of Commerce is working to improve through its See You in Terre Haute Community Plan. The program is designed to help the community grow its population. 

“The Open for Tourism program has provided help to prepare our businesses for the flourishing tourism sector,” said Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Director of Community Engagement Josh Alsip. “By bettering experiences for Terre Haute visitors, we will help increase our population and per capita income, as laid out in the See You In Terre Haute Community Plan.”

Terre Haute/Vigo County Tourism had record-breaking numbers last year as the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau received $2.8 million through the innkeeper’s tax.  The increase in tourism is expected to continue growing through new developments over the next few years.

Some of the previous projects that were successful thanks to the Open for Tourism funding include: 

  • Federal Coffee + Fine Foods | Addition of a walk-up window that faces a prime location along 7th Street and Wabash Ave. (Courtesy of TH Chamber of Commerce)
  • Bar_Botics | Expanded a Star Wars-themed outdoor patio that provides a visual attraction to downtown visitors.  (Courtesy of TH Chamber of Commerce)
  • Saratoga Restaurant | A great exterior makeover, including a new outdoor mural. These updates were funded with both Open for Tourism and National Trust for Historic Preservation funding. (Courtesy of TH Chamber of Commerce)
  • Illumination Wellness | A meditation garden in the 12 Points area meant to help guests disconnect from the everyday world. (Courtesy of TH Chamber of Commerce)
  • Ferm Fresh | “The Alley”, an outdoor seating area that is dog friendly and has fun activities.(Courtesy of TH Chamber of Commerce)
  • Maggie and Moe’s | A walk-up window for Maggie & Moe’s Coffee at the Sycamore Farm. A great option for those walking the trails!(Courtesy of TH Chamber of Commerce)

All of the projects supported by the Open for Tourism funding helped to make Terre Haute better and add unique aspects to many local businesses. 

To apply, businesses must be for-profit, and be linked to tourism in the city through a product or service. In addition, to be eligible for business development funding, businesses must be a member of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. Not every business that applies will be accepted due to limited funds.

Any businesses that are interested can learn more about Open for Tourism and its requirements can visit the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce’s Open for Tourism page.