The Department for Enterprise has announced the launch of two targeted winter support initiatives for hospitality, entertainment and leisure sectors.
DfE’s Business Agency is bringing back the Manx Menu contest, along with the Winter Event Scheme.
Both initiatives are designed to increase footfall and stimulate local spending during the winter months.
- Applications for the Winter Event Scheme are now open, closing March 2025. The Scheme provides funding of up to 80% (capped at £1,500) towards eligible costs for hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues to host in-house-events. Example events eligible for support include but are not limited to; live music, quiz nights, film screenings, comedy nights, theme-based dining events, indoor markets, and craft workshops.
- The Manx Menu contest, a celebration of the Isle of Man’s talented chefs, mixologists, waiting-on staff, producers, growers and suppliers, will be back for its second year. To participate, businesses have to enter new or existing menu items that are made primarily using Manx ingredients. Award categories also cover customer service, products, innovation and sustainability. Businesses wishing to participate can submit their entries from now until January 31, 2025, with public voting to begin from February 14 ending on March 31, 2025.
Both the Winter Event Scheme and Manx Menu contest will be complemented by the ‘Love Manx-Shop Local’ Christmas campaign which encourages residents to support local retail, hospitality, leisure and food and drink businesses throughout the festive season.
The campaign spreads awareness of the many gifting options available in the Isle of Man and businesses looking to get involved are encouraged to email contact-business@gov.im.
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