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 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 2025/26 and beyond
Funding applications for 2025/26
Applications for this financial year are now open!
Eligibility criteria, guidelines and further information can be found on the respective pages for Candidate City Bid Support, International Delegate Growth and Government Advocacy.
Applications for 2026/27 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.
- If your event is in future financial years, but the activity you are requesting funds for will occur by 31 March 2026, please apply to the programme as soon as possible.
- If the activity/expenditure will occur between April 2026 and March 2027, get in touch with us to register interest for potential future event support and provide us with: event name, location, dates and delegate number (domestic & international).
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
- 150+ business events supported with a grant since 2016
- Over £2.2m million contributed to international events across Britain
- 19 cities have benefitted from the programme so far
In the 2024-25 financial year, the programme financially supported 36 international events across – 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.
