Regional Events Fund: Event Industry Support Stream 3

Purpose and Program Overview

Regional Events Fund – Event Industry Support Stream 3 aims to build capability within the events industry in regional Victoria. Its purpose is to support the marketing and operations of events that attract intrastate or interstate visitors.

This fund is part of the broader Regional Events Fund, managed by Visit Victoria. The overarching objective is to support events that bring visitors to regional Victoria, generating economic impact, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.

Event Industry Support Stream 3 backs a variety of events, including festivals, culinary, sporting, and cultural gatherings. It seeks to showcase the vibrancy of Victoria’s regions and bolster the state’s reputation as a premier events destination.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Up to $50,000 per event.
• Application open and close dates: Stream 3 funding is available monthly (excluding December and January) until 30 June 2027. Applications for Stream 3 were noted as closing on 20 May 2025 in one source; however, other sources indicate that applications will be accepted every month until 2027. Always refer to the official Visit Victoria guidelines for the most up-to-date dates.
• Eligible industries or business types: Private companies, councils, Regional Tourism Boards/Visitor Economy Partnerships, and not-for-profit organisations.
• Required co-contributions: No fixed co-contribution percentage is stated. Applicants must demonstrate financial support from non-state sources and economic sustainability. Operational support is capped at 50% of the total funding request, and event resource support at 25%.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Regional Victoria. Events must be held in regional Victoria.

Priority Sectors

The Event Industry Support Stream 3 supports events across various sectors, including:

• Festivals
• Culinary events
• Sporting events
• Cultural events

The fund prioritises events that showcase regional Victoria’s tourism offerings and attract visitors.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: Stream 3 offers funding of up to $50,000 per event. This stream is for smaller-scale events compared to Stream 1 (up to $1 million) and Stream 2 (up to $500,000).
• Categories or streams of funding: This grant is specifically Stream 3 – Event Industry Support. The broader Regional Events Fund comprises other streams, including Regional Event Acquisition (Stream 1) and Event Growth and Development (Stream 2).
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Events cannot be scheduled to start before the expected funding decision window. Funding is provided for specific event activities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Private companies, local councils, Regional Tourism Boards/Visitor Economy Partnerships, and not-for-profit organisations.
• Registered business location: Applicants must be based in Australia, with the event held in regional Victoria.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not explicitly detailed, but events must meet relevant safety and compliance standards.
• ABN/GST status: Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Other requirements: A letter of support from your relevant Regional Tourism Board or Visitor Economy Partnership is mandatory for the application to be considered.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Event Industry Support Stream 3 supports activities aimed at building capability and assisting with marketing and operations. Eligible activities and expenses may include:

• Event marketing and promotion activities to attract visitors from within the state or across state lines.
• Operational support for events.
• Activities designed to build the capability of the event organisation.

Assessment Process

Regional Events Fund Stream 3—Event Industry Support is a competitive program. Applications are submitted online via the ‘SmartyGrants’ portal.

Key evaluation criteria include:

• The event’s ability to attract intrastate or interstate visitors.
• The event has the potential to deliver economic impact, create jobs, and support local businesses in regional Victoria.
• Alignment with the Regional Events Fund Guidelines and program objectives.
• Demonstration of financial support from non-state sources and financial sustainability.
• The capability of the applicant to deliver the event.

Recent Program Updates

The Regional Events Fund Stream 3 is currently open and accepts applications monthly (excluding December and January) until 30 June 2027. It is part of the broader Regional Tourism and Events Fund 2023/24–2026/27.

Application Tips

Consider these points for your application:

• Review the official Regional Events Fund Guidelines thoroughly.
• Discuss your event with your Regional Tourism Board or Visitor Economy Partnership early and secure a letter of support.
• Demonstrate how your event will attract visitors from within Victoria or interstate.
• Detail the economic benefits your event will bring to regional Victoria.
• Showcase the financial sustainability of your event and any non-state funding.

Where to Get Help for Regional Events Fund Stream 3

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as 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.