Funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by Business Events Victoria in partnership with Melbourne Convention Bureau, the grants program offers $80 per delegate – up to a maximum of $40,000 – for eligible event organisers to host new business events in regional Victoria.
The National Business Events Program aims to support national and international business events being held in regional Victoria, including national conferences, annual general meetings, product launches and corporate incentive events.
Grants are available for events held up to 31 March 2026, with applications open until 23 May 2025.
“These grants support tourism businesses to bring more events to our regions and host one-of-a-kind experiences in Victora’s picturesque settings – supporting local jobs and businesses,” says Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos.
The National Business Events Program is part of the Regional Business Events Program, which has seen 22 new business events secured for regional Victoria across three streams of funding.
These events are expected to generate more than 8300 delegate days and inject $5.57 million into regional communities.
“Business events are a powerful driver of sustainable regional visitation and economic growth,” says Chris Porter, general manager, Business Events Victoria.
“Attracting new business events to regional Victoria is key to boosting local business, creating lasting community impact and growing our share of this vital sector nationally.”
The National Business Events Program also includes an incentive stream and strategic acquisition stream. In the targeted strategic investments stream, funding up to $100 per delegate is available, up to $75,000.
This stream provides funding for new, national and larger business events to regional Victoria.
Additionally, under Melbourne Convention Bureau’s International Incentive Events Program, planners can receive up to $150 per delegate – up to $22,350 – for new international incentive programs yet to be booked, which include an overnight stay in regional Victoria.
“This initiative creates a valuable platform for expanding business events throughout regional areas, allowing outstanding local suppliers to showcase the best our state has to offer,” says Julia Swanson, chief executive officer, Melbourne Convention Bureau.
“The program contributes to statewide economic development and fosters deeper engagement within local communities and across international networks.”
As part of the Victorian Government’s $170 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund, the Regional Business Events Program supports local economies by providing opportunities for events, venues, attractions and accommodation providers.
Photo at top: Beechworth, Victoria – iStock/Nick Clark.
