Take on the world with the EMDG
It's the grant that helps Aussie SMEs take on the world! You can spend up large when establishing your overseas customer base for exports, with the EMDG here to fund a decent slice of promotional and marketing expenses, allowing you to make like Vegemite and spread across the globe.
Round 4 applications open in November with early submissions and high-quality applications the keys to success. Our Grant Consultants are ready to ensure your application meets the required standards and gives you the best chance of securing funding.
EMDG Round 4 Opens in November 2024!
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.
Here's what you need to know about EMDG 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. Round 4 is expected to be more competitive than ever, with Austrade tightening the eligibility requirements and placing a greater emphasis on high-quality applications. Austrade has made it clear that applications not meeting the eligibility criteria or lacking in quality will be dismissed without review, highlighting the critical need for expert guidance and support to ensure your application stands out and meets the required standards.
What is the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)?
The EMDG is the Australian Government’s premier initiative aimed at helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) spread their wings in foreign markets. Designed to be accessible and driven by demand, EMDG is all about sparking the growth and expansion of Australian products around the world.
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.
Is My Business Eligible For The EMDG?
A range of businesses are eligible for the Export Market Development Grant.
Round 4 of the EMDG includes a few changes around eligibility and how the funding tiers work. These include:
Minimum turnover requirements for EMDG
- Tier 1: More than $100,000 per year
- Tier 2: More than $500,000 per year
- Tier 3: More than $1 million per year.
EMDG Round 4 Eligibility
- SMEs must show the capacity to spend at least $20,000 annually on marketing and promotional activities, which must be their own funds and not covered by the grant
- Businesses must have been operating for a minimum of two years with the same Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Tier 1 applicants need to demonstrate export readiness by completing approved export training or passing the Export Readiness Test
- Tier 3 grants now include specific key markets to encourage experienced exporters to explore new opportunities and diversify their markets.
Other key EMDG criteria
- You can be an individual, partnership, company or trust.
- You need to have a turnover of less than $20 million for the last financial year.
- You must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- You have not received over $770,000 of EMDG over eight years.
The business must be promoting for export:
- Goods
- Services (most are eligible)
- Inbound tourism
- Intellectual property and know-how
- Conferences and events held in Australia
- Software
What's Export Promotion?
The EMDG supports eight categories of export promotional activities, including costs for:
- Overseas representatives
- Marketing consultants or agencies
- Domestic and international trips
- Free samples
- IP registration and related insurance
- Trade fairs, conferences, seminars and in-store promotions
- Promotional literature and advertising
- Foreign buyer visits
- Training for export readiness
How Can BlueRock Help You To Claim The EMDG?
As EMDG experts, we demystify the complex regulation and offer guidance to ensure you get the best funding outcome.
BlueRock can help you by:
- confirming your eligibility
- undertaking a detailed analysis of your eligible expenses
- completing any application forms and assisting with the collection and preparation of supporting documentation
- managing and assisting with correspondence to Austrade
- supporting you through any acquittals processes.
