The Program
Warrnambool City Council recognises the important role that business events, conferences, meetings and professional gatherings play in driving the visitor economy, supporting local industry, building profile and contributing to year round economic activity in the region.
The Business Events & Conferences Fund provides financial support to organisations that bring new business events to Warrnambool, attract delegates from outside the region, generate overnight visitation and enhance Warrnambool’s status as a credible regional destination for professional events.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the program support events and conferences that align with the Warrnambool Events Strategy and Warrnambool Council Plan.
Preference will be given to applicants that:
- Grow Warrnambool’s reputation as a regional conference and business events destination
- Attract delegates from outside Warrnambool, particularly during off‑peak and shoulder seasons
- Stimulate the local economy through accommodation, hospitality, retail and business services expenditure
- Encourage the development of new business events that become financially sustainable, recurring or long‑term
- Promote collaboration with local industry
- Create quality visitor experiences that may inspire repeat visitation
Grant Round Dates
Applications are accepted from Wednesday 1 July
| Funding Round Open | 9:00am Wednesday 1 July |
|---|---|
| Funding Round Closes | 11:59pm Monday 31 May (unless funding allocation is exhausted prior to this date) |
| Project acquitted and post event report due | 2 months post the event taking place |
Guidelines
Business Events and Conferences Fund Guidelines
The Business Events and Conferences Fund is a competitive process and funds are awarded based on merit according to the weighted criteria.
Canvassing of Councillors is prohibited. This means that you can’t contact a Councillor and ask them to put in a good word or help you get your grant approved.
Council provides funding for the term specified in the Funding Terms and Conditions.
Council reserves the right to withdraw support or ask for funds to be returned if recipients do not comply with Council policy or written agreement entered into.
The total funding available for 2026/27 is $10,000. The total fund available is subject to Council’s budget process.
Submitting an application
Applications for the 2026/27 funding round open on Wednesday 1 July 2026.
Grant applications are only accepted using the SmartyGrants online system.
Funding Classification
| Classification | Details | Funding Range |
|---|---|---|
| Business Events and Conferences | For event organisers bringing new business events and conferences to Warrnambool. Majority of delegates and attendees are from outside of Warrnambool and will stay for a minimum of one night and may attract stay extension. Occur within the Warrnambool City Council municipality. Be conferences, tradeshows, symposiums, business event or workshops. Align with Council’s Events Strategy and Council Plan | Up to $10,000.00 |
Help is available
The Events and Promotions team is here to help.
Please contact a Council Officer to discuss you application prior to commencing it or if you have any general questions please call (03) 5559 4800 or email events@warrnambool.vic.gov.au