Business Events Growth Programme
The Business Events Growth Programme forms part of Government’s commitment to grow the business events sector. The programme supports the attraction of international business events, which align with the Government's priority industry sectors, the growth of the international profile of business events in the UK, as well as the creation of new business events.
Through the programme, VisitBritain supports all organizations in hosting international business events in the UK. Whether you would like to win international events or to develop, grow and internationalise your events, the Business Events Growth Programme can support.
To date, the Business Events Growth Programme, launched in 2016, has supported over 150 events and bids across the UK with more than £1.5 million awarded. Last financial year (2022/23) the programme has supported 30 international events across all three pillars, working with our city partners across the UK, and aligning with key HMG sector priorities, such as healthcare and life sciences, engineering and manufacturing, technology, renewable energy, creative industries.
Types of event support
VisitBritain offers three types of support:
- Candidate City Bid Support to bid and win new international business events in the UK (financial support)
- International Delegate Growth to support the creation, growth, and internationalisation of your business events in the UK (financial support)
- Government Advocacy to support the UK’s business events industry and add value to your events by working with HM Government (soft power support)
Financial year 2023/24
Funding applications are open for this financial year (to 31 March 2024).
We welcome applications from various types of organisations, including but not limited to; event organisers, convention bureau / destination management organisations, universities or associations.
Proposals are accepted for support of up to £20,000 per event/bid. However, support can be requested beyond this amount but must be backed by a strong business case.
Further information, including current criteria and how to apply for financial support, can be found on the respective pages for Candidate City Bid Support, International Delegate Growth and Government Advocacy.
Future enquiry
The Business Events Growth Programme can support events taking place in future financial years, however all expenditures have to be annualised in the relevant financial year in which they are allocated. Therefore, if your event is in future financial years but the activity you are requesting funds for will occur by 31 March 2024, please apply to the programme as soon as possible.
If the expenditure will occur between April 2024 and March 2025, please complete this Enquiry form to register interest for potential future event support grant funds. Please note, there is no guarantee of future funding.
Please note
The criteria for the Business Events Growth Programme are subject to change. Any changes to the criteria will be clearly stated in the guidelines on the website. Applications received will be assessed by the criteria stated on the day the application is received.
