Grants up to $80,000 for SMEs to promote their goods and services and develop their skills for growing and diversifying their exports in international markets.
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What is the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) Program?
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program is designed to help Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and representative bodies promote their products and services internationally. Through targeted financial assistance, this program supports businesses looking to expand and diversify into foreign markets, creating broader benefits for Australia.
EMDG provides grants for the following:
- Representative bodies – that support small and medium business members to achieve export success.
- Tier 1 (Ready to Export) – small and medium enterprises ready to export
- Tier 2 (Exporting Within Existing Markets) – small and medium enterprises exporting within existing markets
- Tier 3 (Exporting to New Markets) – small and medium enterprises exporting to new key markets
EMDG level of support
The EMDG program offers three tiers of grants, with funding amounts based on the applicant’s export readiness and activities. Below are the grant tiers and their respective funding levels:
- Representative Bodies: Up to $50,000 per financial year
- Tier 1 (Ready to Export): Up to $30,000 per financial year
- Tier 2 (Exporting Within Existing Markets): Up to $50,000 per financial year
- Tier 3 (Exporting to New Markets): Up to $80,000 per financial year
Co-contribution Requirement:
For all tiers, businesses must match the grant amount dollar-for-dollar. For example, if a business seeks $30,000 in funding, it must plan to spend at least $60,000 on eligible activities, contributing $30,000 of its own funds. Representative bodies must also match the grant amount in their applications.
EMDG important dates
- Representative Bodies: Applications open AEDT 10am on 6 November 2024
- Tier 1-3: Applications open AEDT 10am on 12 November 2024
- Application close: Once all funding has been allocated.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
EMDG objectives and outcomes
The EMDG program aims to:
- Help more SMEs enter export markets and expand existing export activities.
- Support the diversification of export markets and products.
- Improve the export marketing skills of Australian SMEs.
- Ensure representative bodies can assist their members with export readiness and market expansion.
Projects and expenditure eligible for EMDG support
Eligible projects include promotional and marketing activities that help businesses develop export opportunities. These activities include, but are not limited to:
- Developing promotional material (e.g., website design, social media marketing, or virtual events)
- Engaging consultants for export planning and market research
- Maintaining a representative in a foreign country for more than six months
- Participating in foreign trade shows or missions
Ineligible expenditures:
- Capital expenses
- Sales-related expenses, including salaries or commission payments related to commercial transactions
- Migration-related services
- Activities relating to trade with New Zealand
- Expenses already covered by other government grants
EMDG important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for EMDG support
Eligible applicants must be:
- An Australian business with a valid ABN and annual turnover less than $20 million.
- Representative bodies supporting SMEs with export initiatives.
- Ready to export (Tier 1) or currently exporting (Tier 2 and Tier 3).
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria specific to their tier.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
EMDG assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Representative Bodies: Representative bodies are assessed on how their proposed promotional and training activities benefit their SME members in export-related areas.
- Export Readiness (Tier 1): Applicants must demonstrate that they are ready to begin exporting, including having completed export readiness training.
- Export Activity (Tier 2): SMEs must show evidence of export sales and provide plans for expanding marketing efforts within existing markets.
- Strategic Shift (Tier 3): Applicants must demonstrate a clear strategic shift into new markets, supported by evidence of previous export activity.
While the exact percentage weighting for these criteria isn’t specified, strong emphasis is placed on the applicant’s readiness and ability to meet financial co-contribution requirements.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the EMDG?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the EMDG application
Applicants will need to provide the following documentation:
- Financial statements from the previous two years (2022-23 and 2023-24)
- Proof of capacity to meet the $20,000 annual co-contribution requirement
- Export readiness training certificates (Tier 1)
- Evidence of previous export sales (Tier 2 and Tier 3)
- A detailed plan to market, outlining promotional activities and targeted markets.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the EMDG
Applications for Round 4 of the EMDG program must be submitted through the EMDG online portal, which can be accessed via the Austrade website.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
EMDG resources
- GrantConnect: Representative Bodies
- GrantConnect: Tiers 1, 2 and 3
- Australian Trade and Investment Commission
- Register your interest
I need help applying for grants
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