Applications are now open for the next round of Victoria’s National Business Events Program, offering eligible event organisers cash grants of up to $80,000 to host events in Melbourne and up to $40,000 for events in regional Victoria.
The funding is aimed squarely at Australian event organisers with events taking place between 1st December 2022 and 31st December 2024.
Administered by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and Business Events Victoria (BEV) for the regional arm of the program, the scope of eligible events is broad and includes conferences, trade exhibitions, association meetings, corporate meetings and incentive group events with a business event program.
The cash grants can be put towards accommodation, venue hire, transport and other event costs such as marketing and promotion.
MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson said the funding initiative has provided a much-needed lift to the business events sector.
“It’s been instrumental in guiding and driving recovery of the sector from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting demand, supporting our local supply chain, and providing planners and key decision-makers with the confidence to plan and book their events in Melbourne.”
BEV Executive Officer Chris Porter said business events are a critical driver for the visitor economy in regional Victoria.
“The business events sector has been one of the hardest hit and still continues to be impacted, as confidence slowly returns to the sector. The entire business events eco system has been affected and this funding will support and encourage more businesses to get out there and host more events.”
Applications close 5pm Friday 30th September 2022.
More information here
