Bid Fund Program (BFP) Business Events Australia

Purpose and Program Overview

The Bid Fund Program (BFP), managed by Business Events Australia (a division of Tourism Australia), provides financial support to Australian organisations bidding for new international business events. It aims to enhance Australia’s competitiveness in securing high-value events, attracting international visitors, and delivering economic benefits through increased tourism and trade.

The program’s total funding pool is not specified, but grants start at $50,000 (excluding GST) and require matching contributions. It supports the Australian Government’s priority sectors, contributing to the broader visitor economy by fostering partnerships between destinations, event organisers, and industry stakeholders.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Minimum $50,000 (excluding GST); no maximum specified.
• Application open and close dates: Open until 30 June 2026.
• Eligible industries or business types: Convention bureaux, event organisers, and destinations leading international bids.
• Required co-contributions: Yes, matching financial contributions required.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia-wide.

Priority Sectors

The Bid Fund Program is open to a broad range of sectors but prioritises events aligned with Australian Government priorities, including international associations, exhibitions, and corporate incentives.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts: Minimum $50,000; no maximum, based on event scale.
• Categories or streams of funding:
  • Bid support: Venue hire, accommodation, and transport during the bidding stage.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Bid decisions by 30 June 2026; events by 31 December 2029.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool for the Bid Fund Program is not publicly specified.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Financially solvent organisations leading bids.
• Registered business location: Australia.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified.
• ABN/GST status: Active ABN required; GST registration if applicable.
• Additional requirements: Events must attract 400+ international visitors (associations/exhibitions) or 700+/$3M value (incentives).

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Venue hire for international business events.
• Accommodation costs during the event bidding.
• Transport expenses for delegates.
• Direct event costs incurred in Australia.

Assessment Process

• Competitive or entitlement-based: Competitive, assessed case-by-case.
• Key evaluation criteria:
  • Potential economic value and visitor numbers.
  • Alignment with Australian Government priority sectors.
  • Proof of matched funding and financial solvency.

Recent Program Updates

Applications remain open until 30 June 2026, with no changes announced for 2025. The program continues to prioritise high-value events, with recent assessments taking a minimum of four weeks. Monitor the Tourism Australia website for any guideline updates.

Application Tips

• Engage with Business Events Australia early to discuss bid viability.
• Prepare detailed proposals with economic value estimates and matched funding proof.
• Ensure events meet visitor thresholds and align with priority sectors.
• Submit via SmartyGrants with all required documentation.

Where to Get Help for BFP

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.