Our focus is on quality over quantity and we will assess each application in terms of the contribution it can make to showcase the best that the Black Country business community has to offer.

​

​

In order to ensure events meet the objectives of the Festival, they should aim to meet at least two of the following criteria:

​

​

• Benefit the local businesses community, such as opportunities to interact, engage, promote, share best practice, learn new skills and network

• Aim to increase economic growth and drive inward investment for the region

• Showcase what the Black Country has to offer, demonstrating to the wider world the prominence within the region

• Strengthen ongoing partnerships or develop new collaborations between research and academic institutions, local authorities and businesses

• Help to increase employability and grow talent within the region, raise aspirations, cultivate future stars and show opportunities for progression

• Drive business engagement and cross-sector collaboration

• Have potential to attract interest from businesses and individuals from outside of the region in order to cultivate a range of local, national and international links

• Focus on wider issues or controversial topics, for example new technologies, innovation, economic issues or address challenges facing the local economy

Events should be free to attend where possible (event organisers are welcome to obtain sponsorship for their event if this will assist). Tickets must be distributed on a first come first served basis and organisers will need to agree to the Black Country Business Festival Terms and Conditions.

Business Festival events should not be used solely as a promotional platform. Although event hosts may take the opportunity to use their own business as a case study or to show how they successfully addressed a problem.

All applications will be reviewed by the Steering Group (BCBF Board) to ensure they meet the above criteria. It usually takes approximately 14 working days for applications to be processed in full. You can expect to hear about the status of your application within this timeframe.

​