WHAT IS AN EXPORT MARKET DEVELOPMENT GRANT?

The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme is the key Australian Government financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters. 

The current eligibility-based, demand-driven program replaced the previous EMDG reimbursement scheme. The previous scheme closed permanently on 30 June 2022. Regarding maximum turnover, the current eligibility requirement is that turnover for the financial year before the financial year in which the application is made is less than $20 million.                                   

There is no minimum total expenses requirement or ‘threshold’ as part of the eligibility criteria. The claimed rule regarding first time applicants is incorrect.

RADBE Consulting has worked with numerous clients seeking to access the EMDG scheme and has a well developed methodology to assist clients at all stages of the claim process.

*Please note: There are no grant rounds currently open for applications. The EMDG information on the Austrade website applies to Rounds 1, 2 and 3. It will not apply to Round 4. Amended rules are expected to apply to Round 4 of EMDG. Austrade will communicate all changes when the program details, including guidelines, are finalised and released. Round 4 is likely to open in late 2024 or early 2025.

Can you apply?

If you are an Australian entity carrying on business in Australia you may apply for EMDG, there is no minimum total expenses requirement or ‘threshold’ as part of the eligibility criteria. The claimed rule regarding first time applicants is incorrect.

What will you get?

EMDG is an eligibility-based, demand-driven program. This means all eligible applicants receive a grant from the available funds. This is based on the number of eligible applications received in that round, and the total funding available, i.e. the grant pool is spread across all applicants. Grantees must show their spending on eligible expenses for double their grant amount. See Milestone Reports and Payments on this page.

What can you claim?

You may claim for expenditure on specific export promotion activities undertaken during the grant year which may include the following:

• Overseas representation;
• Travel expenses;
• Trade fairs, advertising and literature;
• Free samples; and
• Registration for patents and trademarks.

How quickly do I need to act?

There are no current rounds open. Round 4 is likely to open for applications in late 2024. See Grant round updates on this page.

How can we assist?

RADBE Consulting is able to provide your business with the following services in relation to the EMDG scheme:

• Assess your eligibility including liaising with Austrade staff;
• Provide information and guidance about the claim process;
• Prepare the necessary documentation and submit your claim;
• Outline the documentary evidence that needs to be retained to substantiate the claims;
• Act as a point of contact and provide assistance through Austrade’s audit process.; and
• Provide ongoing business, strategic and technical advice as and when required.

How do I get the ball rolling?

For more information on eligible EMDG related activities and expenditure, please contact RADBE Consulting who will provide you with checklists, templates and be able to assist you further. 

We make every effort to ensure that this page is kept up to date with relevant information, however the program has undergone significant and multiple changes recently over successive years, with various amendments to the grant funding, timelines for application and milestone reporting. Please contact us to ensure that you have the most up to date information, which coincides with the multiple updates that the administrator publish to the program information.