18 November, 2020

Expressions of interest now being accepted for federal govt’s $50m Business Events Grants program

Australian money background showing $100, $50 and $20 notes with a shallow depth of field.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is calling on business event owners to register expressions of interest (EOIs) to take part in the federal government’s $50 million Business Events Grants program.

The program, which was announced in September, will allow eligible businesses to apply for grants of up $250,000 to cover up to half of the cost of participating in approved business to business events in Australia in 2021.

B2B event owners are encouraged to submit an EOI by 11:59pm on 30 November to be considered for inclusion in the schedule of approved events when the program opens for grant applications from eligible businesses in mid-December.

For more information on the Business Events Grants program, including eligibility criteria for event owners, frequently asked questions and the EOI form, visit the Austrade website.

All enquiries should be directed to Austrade, which is managing the EOI process, via BEgrants@austrade.gov.au or on 1800 048 155.

The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) welcomed the commencement of the funding program.

“BECA are pleased with the design of this first phase and think it has identified the most important aspects of the contribution the business events industry can make to the recovery of the Australian economy,” chair Dr Vanessa Findlay said.

“The industry looks forward to working with the government on the finalisation of grant guidelines, and subsequent launch and allocation of grants across the business events industry.”

Business Events Sunshine Coast manager Maureen Brennan is confident the program will revitalise the industry.

“The Sunshine Coast business events industry is open for business and, pleasingly, the criteria for regional events under this program suits the Sunshine Coast profile as a fresh destination for hosting business events, with a diverse range of venues located in our region,” she said.

“This funding will form a critical part of recovery for our industry and is a great opportunity for the Sunshine Coast region to get business events up and running again.”

Featured image source: iStock/enjoynz

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austrade Australian Trade and Investment Commission BECA business events business events council of australia Business Events Grants Business Events Grants program business events sunshine coast Dr Vanessa Findlay EOI expressions of interest federal government funding Maureen Brennan Vanessa Findlay