Victorian Business Events Grant Program (Stream 2)

Purpose and Program Overview

The National Business Events (Stream 2) provides funding for new business events in regional Victoria. The program intends to increase visitation and economic benefits to these areas. It is part of a broader Victorian Government effort to support the business events sector.

The grant aims to attract new business events that are not already confirmed. It encourages organisers to choose regional Victoria as a destination. The program also helps to support local businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries.

National Business Events (Stream 2) grant is part of the Victorian Business Events Grant Program. It contributes to the state’s recovery and growth. The program’s role is to stimulate economic activity and showcase regional Victoria’s business event capabilities.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Up to $80 per delegate, with a maximum of $40,000 per event.
• Application open and close dates: The program is open until 31 March 2026.
• Eligible industries or business types: The grant is for event organisers. This includes professional conference organisers, event management companies, and businesses hosting their own events.
• Required co-contributions: No co-contribution is needed.
• Location/state/territory applicability: The event must take place entirely in regional Victoria.

Priority Sectors

The grant is for the business events, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: The maximum grant amount is $40,000. The grant is calculated at a rate of $80 per delegate.
• Categories or streams of funding: This grant is for Stream 2, which is for national business events.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: The event must occur between 23 June 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool for this program is not stated.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: The grant is for event organisers. The event must be a business-to-business (B2B) event.
• Registered business location: The applicant must be an Australian business.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: The event must have a minimum of 25 in-person delegates per day. It must also be a new event for regional Victoria.
• Event duration: The event must have a minimum two-day program, with at least one night’s stay.
• Accommodation: The event must generate a minimum of 20 room nights, or at least 40 per cent of delegates must use local accommodation.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

National Business Events (Stream 2) grant helps to cover the costs of hosting a business event. Eligible activities and expenses include:

• Venue hire and catering.
• Event management and production.
• Travel and accommodation expenses.
• Marketing and promotion.

Assessment Process

The grant is competitive. The key evaluation criteria include:

• The event meets all eligibility requirements.
• The event has the potential to deliver economic benefits to regional Victoria.
• The event capacity to showcase regional Victoria’s venues and services.

Recent Program Updates

The program is now open for a new round of events. These must take place between 23 June 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Application Tips

• Your event must be a new event for regional Victoria.
• Ensure you meet the minimum delegate numbers and accommodation requirements.
• A strong application will highlight the economic benefits your event will bring.
• Contact Business Events Victoria for details and application information.

Where to Get Help

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.