The Australian Government announced the release of grant guidelines for Round 4 of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program, alongside a new initiative offering free export readiness training.
This move aims to bolster Australian businesses’ efforts to market and promote their high-quality goods and services on the global stage, the government said in a news release.
The EMDG program, which has supported Australian exporters for nearly 50 years, is being reinvigorated with significantly larger grants now available.
Eligible businesses can now receive grants ranging from $20,000 to $80,000 to help achieve their export ambitions.
“Trading businesses are a key driver of our economy, with one in four Australian jobs related to trade,” said Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.
“That’s why we’re encouraging Australian businesses to export by offering significantly larger Export Market Development Grants of up to $80,000, along with free export training, information, and advice.”
Round 4 of the EMDG program is set to open in November 2024, and exporters are urged to prepare early by developing their market plans and completing the newly introduced free export readiness test.
This test, designed by the Export Council of Australia, is accessible online and will help businesses ensure they meet eligibility requirements before applying for a grant.
“The free export readiness training will help businesses hit the ground running when applications for the Export Market Development Grants open later this year,” Farrell added.
In addition to the readiness test, businesses can access free exporting training, tools, information, and advice through the enhanced Go Global Toolkit website.
These initiatives are expected to ensure the EMDG program continues to support businesses that are ready to start, grow, or diversify their exporting activities.
“By helping businesses understand the practical steps to international trade, we can improve the longer-term success of Australian businesses seeking to grow globally,” said Arnold Jorge, CEO of the Export Council of Australia.
“As a leader in the field of export training, Export Council of Australia (ECA) is proud to have worked with Austrade in developing this export readiness test.”
For more information, including detailed guidelines for the next EMDG grant round, businesses are encouraged to visit the Australian Trade and Investment Commission website.
