The NSW Government is offering to fund up to $60,000 per business event held in between 1 January and 30 November 2023 in Greater Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong and applications are now open as part of the third round of the Accelerate Fund.

Applications are open to organisers of B2B conferences, conventions, symposiums, congresses, seminars, training courses and trade exhibitions to offset venue costs (venue hire, in-house catering and AV costs) to the organiser. Applicants can be based anywhere in the country, as long as their business event takes place over at least one full day in an eligible venue.

“The Accelerate program has invested millions into our important business events sector, delivering economic stimulus to communities and industries which is accelerating our economic recovery,” NSW Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said.

“We know business events contribute significantly to the wider tourism industry and this important investment will have a wide-reaching impact for years to come both socially and economically.”

The Accelerate Sydney Business Event Fund is part of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Package announced by the NSW Government in October 2021 and is administered by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) in conjunction with Destination NSW.

BESydney chief executive officer Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “This first come, first served funding is a much-needed investment to help revive businesses and bring tourism back to our cities. Business events bring locals and visitors alike to our CBDs and support industry suppliers in accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, tourism and business events sectors.

“Business events also play a significant role in rebuilding confidence and this funding will work towards incentivising business event organisers to contract and hold their next in-person business event.

Business events have a significant role to play in driving the prosperity of cities like Newcastle, Wollongong and Sydney and we are incredibly pleased to support local businesses to play their part.”

Applications for round three of Accelerate close on 30 September 2022.