How do I apply for the Export Markets Development Grant?

October 27, 2023

Export Markets Development Grant (EMDG) Application

Preparing your application for the Export Markets Development Grant

The Export Markets Development Grant (EMDG) program offered by the Australian government assists local businesses in showcasing their products and services in global markets. By providing financial assistance and facilitating market entry, the program enables Australian companies to attract foreign customers and promote their offerings effectively. It supports businesses in expanding their international presence, reaching a wider audience, and increasing the demand for Australian products and services among foreign markets. 

It’s important to note that the specific grant amount you receive will depend on factors like the number of applications and the program budget (grants will be divided amongst all eligible applicants.) 

Export Markets Development Grant Tiers

The Export Markets Development Grant (EMDG) program has three tiers.

  1. Tier 1 is for businesses who haven’t exported before, but are ready to start 
  2. Tier 2 is for businesses already exporting eligible products and wanting to expand their promotion 
  3. Tier 3 is for businesses already exporting eligible products, but seeking to expand and make a strategic shift 

Each tier offers different grant amounts and durations to support their respective goals. 

You don’t have to start at Tier 1 and progress to Tier 2 and then Tier 3. You have the flexibility to apply for any grant tier that suits your business needs right now. 

Unlike other grants where you have to compete against other applicants, the EMDG program has a different approach. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you’re guaranteed to receive the grant. So there is no need to worry about beating the competition!

 

How does the process of applying for an EMDG work?

  1. Preparation Before you start filling out forms and gathering documents, make sure you have the following things ready:
    • Digital identity: You’ll need a myID, which is a digital identity that you can link to your business
    • Product eligibility: You’ll need evidence to demonstrate that your product is eligible for the grant
    • Marketing plan: Explain why you want to market your product internationally, what your goals are, your budget, target market, and any other relevant plans
    • ANZSIC code: This is the industry classification code that corresponds to your business – it helps the authorities understand what sector you’re operating in
    • Tax obligations: You’ll need to prove that you don’t have any outstanding tax obligations
  2. Grant Agreement Once you have gathered all the necessary information and documents, it’s time to submit your application. Austrade, the organisation behind the EMDG program, will review all the applications and offer a grant agreement to every eligible applicant. If you meet the requirements, you are in!
  3. Sign your Grant Agreement If you are selected, you will need to sign a grant agreement with Austrade. This agreement will outline the maximum funding you can receive each year during its term. It is like a roadmap for your grant journey.
  4. Milestone Reports As you progress with your international marketing efforts, you’ll need to submit milestone reports to request grant payments. These reports should align with the agreed milestones in your grant agreement. Don’t worry, the agreement will provide you with all the details you need about this process.

Next Steps

The Export Markets Development Grant (EMDG) program can seem a bit daunting – there are a lot of steps involved in assessing eligibility and applying for a grant. We can help take the pressure off by doing this process for you. Contact us for more information or to get started.

Check out our blog Can the Export Markets Development Grant help you grow your business?

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