This quick video is an overview of how to get ready to apply for an Export Market Development Grant.
Most importantly, go to the Austrade website and read the grant guidelines. Everything you need to know is in here, like which tier you may be eligible for.
There are 3 separate tiers for small and medium businesses and one for representative bodies. Each has its own specific requirements for applicants.
For example, if you are a representative body, you'll need to provide your Constitution or Memorandum of Incorporation or Articles of Association.
While you're on the website, download the sample application form. It lays out the questions asked of every applicant and the special requirements for each tier.
Both businesses and representative bodies will need to gather up:
- your Government Digital Identity, so please get one if you don't have one
- your Australian Business Number, along with proof you've been operating under that number for at least two years
- your Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSIC code. That's the 4-digit industry classification that describes your main business activity.
We'll also need proof you're complying with Australian tax laws – proof like your business activity statement.
As a business, you must also show your evidence that your product or service is of substantially Australian origin.
You must also show you can meet the minimum financial turnover for your tier, have the capacity to spend at least $20,000 of your own money on proposed eligible activities, and can match your grant amount with your own funds.
Businesses and representative bodies must prepare a high-quality plan to market to detail how you intend to spend on eligible promotional activities in ways that expand what you already do.
If you are a representative body delivering export training, you must complete the export training plan.
To prepare these plans, use the mandatory templates on the website or in the online application itself.
When you think you are ready, double-check everything against the application form.
When the next EMDG round opens, go to the EMDG portal and log in.
If you're fully prepared, it'll take about an hour to complete your application.
And a heads up, grant funding is limited. Applications will close once funds are allocated. The better prepared you are and the earlier you apply, the better your chance of success.
For now though, go to the Austrade website, find out when the next grant round is opening, read those guidelines, and start preparing.
Go to austrade.gov.au/emdg