Did you know that there's easy-to-access government support that helps Australian businesses to reclaim thousands of dollars in overseas marketing expenses? If your business sells an Australian product or service to overseas markets, then you may qualify. While the application process is competitive and can be a little difficult to navigate, a grant consultant can make it more than worth your while, with the potential to receive up to $80,000 in reimbursements. It sounds too good to be true, but Australian SMEs have been seeing positive results. So pack your bags because it’s time to take your business global.
What is the EMDG?
The Export Market Development Grant, aka the EMDG scheme, is government support for Aussies looking to scale their businesses to overseas markets. The EMDG was established by the Australian Government to encourage small and medium-sized businesses to export Australian products and services across a range of industries, including tourism.
The program offers focused financial support for your marketing and promotional efforts, as well as for boosting your marketing skills. It's tailored specifically for SMEs with a turnover of less than $20 million and for representative organisations, ensuring you get the backing you need to conquer new markets.
While it’s been around for over 40 years, the EMDG has recently undergone a 'strategic review' following cuts by the Federal Government in the 2023 Federal Budget. Despite the changes to the EMDG program , it's still an amazing opportunity for SMEs looking to expand overseas.
Increase Your Marketing Budget with the EMDG
Expenses you can receive a grant for include:
- Advertising and marketing
- Travel
- Marketing consultants
- IP protection and insurance
- Overseas representatives
- Trade fairs, seminars and in-store promotions
- Bringing buyers to Australia
- Free samples
- Patent and trademark lawyers’ fees
- Print and TV media
- Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram marketing
- Exhibition booths
How to Access the EMDG Scheme Round 4
The next round of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program, Round Four, is set to open for applications in November 2024. This round brings with it updated grant guidelines and eligibility criteria, ensuring the program continues to support the ever-evolving needs of Australian SMEs.
In an update for Round 4, Austrade has emphasised the need for early submission and high-quality applications, stating that applications lacking eligibility or quality will be dismissed without review. BlueRock can give you the best chance of success by helping to prepare a compliant application and submit it to Austrade. We’ll then support you through the Austrade audit process to ensure you get the best outcome.
Here's what you need to know about EMDG Round 4 application dates:
- Representative bodies: Applications open at 10am AEDT on 6 November 2024.
- Tier 1 – Ready to export: Applications open at 10am AEDT on 12 November 2024.
- Tier 2 – Exporting within existing markets: Applications open at 10am AEDT on 12 November 2024.
- Tier 3 – Exporting to new key markets: Applications open at 10am AEDT on 12 November 2024.
Be sure to get in touch with us ASAP about your application, as applications will close once the allocated funding for each tier is fully distributed.
Navigating The World Of Government Grants And Incentives
Every year our experienced Grants and Incentives team helps to deliver millions of dollars to growing businesses . If you want to explore the EMDG program and other grant opportunities available to your business, our experts can guide you through the whole process, saving you from sinking into the abyss of eligibility, applications and compliance. Reach out to our grants and incentives consultants via the form below to find out more!
