Funding from $50,000 to support the Australian business events industry to secure new international events locally and increase conversion potential at the critical bidding stage.
On this page you will find
What is the Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP)?
The Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP), managed by Tourism Australia’s specialist unit, Business Events Australia, aims to increase the conversion of new international business events for Australia. The program provides financial support at the critical bidding stage to secure new events, ensuring Australia remains competitive against international destinations.
Business Events Bid Fund level of support
- Minimum Amount – $50,000
- The funds can be used to cover actual event costs such as accommodation, venue hire, and transport within Australia, but not administrative, logistics, or marketing costs for bids.
Co-contribution
- At least matched funding to the requested BFP support
Business Events Bid Fund important dates
- Applications close 30 June 2026
- Support only available for bids with a decision made by 30 June 2026
- Supported event must be held by 31 December 2029
Business Events Bid Fund objectives
The primary objective of the BFP is to boost Australia’s success rate in securing new international business events by providing financial assistance during the bidding process. This helps attract large numbers of international visitors and delivers significant economic value to Australia.
Projects eligible for Business Events Bid Fund support
The BFP supports:
- Corporate incentives
- Association conferences
- Congresses
- Exhibitions
Eligible events must align with Australia’s trade and investment priority sectors and demonstrate the potential to attract substantial international visitors and economic value.
Other Business Events Bid Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Business Events Bid Fund support
Eligible applicants include Australian convention bureaux, event organisers, and other entities capable of hosting international business events. Applicants must be financially solvent and able to enter into a legal agreement with Tourism Australia.
Business Events Bid Fund assessment criteria
Submissions are assessed based on:
- Alignment with the Australian Government’s Trade and Investment Priority Sectors
- Potential to increase the success rate of Australian bids
- Potential to attract large numbers of international visitors
- Likelihood of delivering significant economic value to Australia
How do I get the Business Events Bid Fund ?
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- alignment with the strategies of both the Government and Tourism Australia
- ability to attract a significant number of international visitors
- improvement in the success rate of Australian bids
- ability to deliver substantial economic benefits
Information to prepare for the Business Events Bid Fund application
Applicants should prepare:
- Detailed event proposals aligning with the BFP’s criteria
- Demonstrations of economic value and international visitor numbers
- Evidence of matched funding
- Compliance with all mandatory eligibility criteria and terms
Applying for Business Events Bid Fund
Applications are submitted online through the SmartyGrants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Business Events Bid Fund resources
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