Business Events Sunshine Coast confident Federal Government’s $50m Business Events Grant Program will help revitalise industry
Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC) is confident that the Federal Government’s $50 million Business Events Grant Program will revitalise the crucial business events industry.
BESC Manager Maureen Brennan said the announcement will give business event organisers the confidence to plan and commit financially to events in 2021 and create demand for business buyers and sellers to participate at these events.
“The Sunshine Coast business events industry is open for business and pleasingly the criteria for regional events under this program suits the Sunshine Coast profile as a fresh destination for hosting business events with a diverse range of venues located in our region.
“This funding will form a critical part of recovery for our industry and is a great opportunity for the Sunshine Coast region to get business events up and running again,” added Ms Brennan.
With exciting venue developments, the Sunshine Coast is well placed as the ideal regional business events destination.
Last year saw the opening of the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre located within the natural beauty of bush and beach at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and earlier this year, the Sunshine Coast celebrated the completion of the $8.18 million redevelopment of its premier performing arts centre, The Events Centre Caloundra.
The latest venue to be launched is the exciting new entertainment precinct – NightQuarter. Boasting five stages and six unique event spaces; the venue offers exclusive use for 500 to 1500 guests or groups can immerse themselves in the action with a sectioned area or join one of the curated experiences.
The Sunshine Coast Business Events Assistance Program, facilitated by Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC) in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council, also offers funding for eligible business events, the BESC team provides support to planners with the process.
More information
- Austrade has opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to event owners to establish a Schedule of Approved Business Events. Owners of Approved Business Events may be eligible for grants under the program and Australian businesses wishing to attend will be able to apply for funding to cover up to 50% of eligible costs.
- Business event owners across Australia are encouraged to submit EOIs by 30 November to ensure their events can be considered for the Schedule when phase two of the grants Program opens in mid-December.
- The business event supports regional Australia. Support can include being hosted in the region and/or using regional products and services.
- Regional locations are any destination outside of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart and Canberra. The location of events is open across all regions of Australia.
- For business events in metro locations there must be a minimum of 100 participants, there is no minimum number for regional locations.
