Business Events Growth Programme
section 1
The Business Events Growth Programme forms part of UK Government’s commitment to growing the business events sector across Britain. Through this fund, VisitBritain supports all organisations in hosting international business events, whether you would like to win international events or to develop, grow and internationalise your events, the Business Events Growth Programme can help.
The Business Events Growth Programme supports events taking place in England, Scotland and Wales. Unfortunately, it is no longer available in Northern Ireland.
Types of support
Funding applications for 2023/24 and beyond
Funding applications for 2023/24
Applications are currently 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 bureaus/destination management organisations, universities and associations.
Proposals are accepted for support of up to £20,000 per event/bid. However, if further support is needed, it can be requested beyond this amount but must be backed by a strong business case that is laid out within the application.
Further information, including how to apply, can be found on the respective pages for Candidate City Bid Support, International Delegate Growth and Government Advocacy.
Applications for 2024/25 and beyond
The Business Events Growth Programme can support future events; 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, complete this Enquiry form (DOCX, 38.05 KB) to register interest for potential future event support.
Please note: the criteria for the Business Events Growth Programme is subject to change and any changes will be clearly stated in the guidelines found here. All applications received will be assessed by the criteria stated on the day the application is received.
The Business Events Growth Programme in numbers
- 157 business events supported since 2016
- £1.5 million contributed to international events across Britain
- 19 cities have benefitted from the programme so far
In the 2022-23 financial year, the programme supported 30 international events across all three pillars – working with our city partners across Britain, and aligning with key HMG sector priorities such as healthcare and life sciences, engineering and manufacturing, technology, renewable energy and creative industries.
