Start local
For events under a few hundred people, local businesses are the best fit: cafes, gyms, coworking spaces, D2C brands, colleges and coaching centres. They want the same audience you have.
Know what you're selling
Sponsors buy access to your audience. Write down who comes (age range, interests, area), how many, and your social reach. Use real numbers from past events, even if small.
Build simple packages
Offer two or three tiers rather than a custom deal for everyone.
- Logo on the event page and posters
- A stall or product sampling table
- A shout-out from stage
- Their discount code in the confirmation email
- Naming rights for the top tier
Barter counts
Venue, food, drinks, printing, prizes or photography in exchange for visibility is often easier to close than cash for a first event.
Pitch, then follow up
Send a one-page proposal, then follow up within a week. Visit in person if you can — local owners respond better to faces than emails.
Deliver and report back
After the event, send each sponsor photos of their branding, attendance numbers and any code redemptions. That's what gets you renewed.