Export Market Development Grants applications close soon

The EMDG scheme:

• encourages small- and medium-sized Australian businesses to develop export markets
• reimburses up to 50 per cent of eligible export promotion expenses above $5,000 provided that the total expenses are at least $15,000
• provides up to eight grants to each eligible applicant.

Who can apply for an EMDG?

Any Australian individual, partnership, company, association, co-operative, statutory corporation or trust that has carried on export promotion activities during the year for which they seek an export grant can apply.

To be eligible, the business must have:

• income of not more than $50 million in the grant year
• incurred at least $15,000 of eligible expenses under the scheme (first-time applicants can combine two years expenses)
• principal status for the export business (some exceptions apply, such as non-profit export-focused industry bodies).

The business also must have promoted one of the following:

• the export of goods or most services
• inbound tourism
• the export of intellectual property and know-how
• conferences and events held in Australia

Certain organisations and groups, who would not otherwise be eligible to apply for a grant under the general provisions of the EMDG Act can obtain approved status to enable them to apply for a grant in their own right. More details can be found here.