Bigger export market development grants on offer for export ready businesses

The Albanese Government has today released the grant guidelines for the Round 4 of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program, along with new free export readiness training.

The EMDG program helps Australian businesses grow, market and promote their top-quality goods and services to the world, and has supported exporters for almost 50 years.

The Albanese Government has kickstarted the program and eligible Australian businesses will now be able to receive significantly larger grants ranging from $20,000 to $80,000 to support their export goals.

Round 4 of the EMDG program is set to open in November 2024, and Australian exporters are encouraged to get ready early, by developing their market plans and completing the new free export readiness test.

This free training and readiness test will help new-to-export businesses ensure they are export ready, and meet eligibility requirements before they apply for a grant.

The export readiness test was designed by the Export Council of Australia and is available online to any business looking at expanding their export markets via the EMDG portal from today.

Businesses can also get access to free exporting training, tools, information and advice through the enhanced Go Global Toolkit website.

These changes will ensure the EMDG program returns to delivering for those businesses who are taking the leap to start, grow or diversify exporting.

For more information, including detailed guidelines for the next EMDG grant round can be found at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission website.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell:

“Trading businesses are a key driver of our economy, with one in four Australian jobs related to trade.

“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.

“The free export readiness training will help businesses hit the ground running when applications for the Export Market Development Grants open later this year.

“Our government is delivering its commitment to boost the size of EMDG grants to help Australian businesses seize new and diversified export opportunities.

“More trade, means more jobs and higher wages for Australian business owners and workers.”

Quotes attributable to Export Council of Australia CEO, Arnold Jorge:

“Exporters make a significant contribution to the Australian economy.

“By helping businesses understand the practical steps to international trade, we can improve the longer-term success of Australian businesses seeking to grow globally.

“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.

“It covers key topics such as how to select markets, how to develop customer relationships and how to manage risks. These are crucial to guiding any business preparing a detailed and meaningful export plan.”