Unleash Your Event’s Potential with the
Host It! Event Support Program
Program Overview
The Host It! Event Support program is here to turn your Downtown event dreams into reality!
Crafted by the Downtown Business Association (DBA), this program is your ticket to value-in-kind and financial support that goes above and beyond. Our mission? To ignite the Downtown entertainment scene by encouraging organizations like yours to take the lead in hosting events, allowing us to amplify our impact across a greater number of events and programs than we would be able to as the sole organizer.
This program is open for applications all year round, giving you the flexibility you crave as an event organizer. However, to ensure we can bring your vision to life with the attention it deserves, we kindly ask that you submit your application at least 90 days before the big day. This timeframe allows for meticulous planning and coordination, setting the stage for an event that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

Benefits of the Program
Successful applicants are able to access the following types of support from the DBA:
- Financial Assistance: Access financial assistance of up to $500, based on a review process, towards reimbursement of venue rental, advertising costs, insurance, and facilitation of permitting and licensing processes.
- Name Recognition: Visibility and recognition by being associated with the Downtown Business Association (DBA) and use of DBA Logo.
- Marketing Support: Receive assistance with marketing strategies and benefit from free radio advertisements (20-25), social media campaigns, inclusion on the DBA events calendar and email campaigns, amplifying the event’s reach to a wider audience.
- Meetings for Guidance and Logistics: Gain access to meetings hosted by the DBA, providing ongoing guidance and logistical support. Access help in creating a marketing strategy, event maps, emergency plan writing, permit applications and grant processes.
- Assistance with City of Red Deer Meetings: Receive support in coordinating and participating in City of Red Deer meetings relevant to the event.
- Supporting Guidance Documents and Templates: Access a range of helpful documents, templates, and resources to assist in various aspects of event planning and execution, streamlining the organizational process.
- Event Supplies Loan Program: Provides event organizers with the opportunity to borrow a range of essential event materials, easing the burden of sourcing certain materials needed for the event.
Eligibility
We’re on the lookout for events that are more than just gatherings—they’re experiences that draw a crowd, light up the downtown, and bring people together! Your event should endeavor to attract a substantial number of attendees to boost foot traffic and create a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the city. In addition, we encourage that events actively involve and promote our downtown businesses. We’re passionate about fostering a sense of belonging for all community members, putting the spotlight on community engagement, inclusivity, arts, and entertainment. Excited? We sure are! Now, let’s dive into the specifics—your event must:
- Be open to the public
- Have a Downtown Red Deer Venue inside of the BIA boundaries
- Abide by DBA bylaws
- Create an Emergency Plan
- Obtain event insurance
- Obtain relevant licenses and permits
- Provide recognition to the DBA for the support
- Have a long-term action plan to move away from DBA Support
- Have a strong leader and committee that demonstrates the willingness and ability to execute a successful event
- Enter into a Letter of Understanding (LOU) that outlines the roles of each party
- Complete a Post Event Report as outlined in your LOU
Application Bonus Points
Events that meet the following criteria have a higher likelihood of receiving DBA support through the Host It! program:
- Outdoor events
- Winter events
- Free events that the public can attend
- Events that show strong sponsor support
The Red Deer Downtown Business Association (DBA) reserves the right to determine the level of support provided for an event. The DBA will not be held liable for costs incurred by events or injuries sustained at events. The DBA reserves the right to withdraw employee, volunteer, and/or financial support and supplies if it is deemed unsafe to procced with this event or a breach of the LOU has occurred.
Application & Program Process
- Application – Submit your completed application form to the DBA a minimum of 90 days prior to your event.
- Review – We will contact you to arrange a meeting to review your application with you.
- Once approved, an LOU will be drafted by DBA staff to outline the roles of each party.
- Initial Guidance and Logistics meeting arranged, with follow-up marketing and event-day success meetings optional.
- Marketing materials submitted to DBA a minimum of four weeks prior to media launch date as outlined in your LOU.
- Post Event Report – This must be submitted to the DBA within 30 Days of event completion, according to the guidelines detailed in your LOU.