The Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) scheme aims to support small to medium sized businesses to break into export markets by reimbursing up to 50% of the expenses relating to export promotion.

In 2011-12, close to 3,000 exporters received assistance through the EMDG scheme. The total value of the grants for that period was $125.6 million.

The financial benefit

Under the scheme, Austrade will reimburse up to 50% (to a maximum of $150,000) of eligible export promotional expenses above $20,000. First time applicants may claim expenses incurred over the last two financial years.

Who can apply

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

To be eligible, the business must have:

• Income of not more than $50 million in the grant year
• Incurred at least $20,000 of eligible export promotion expenses under the scheme

What expenses you can claim

The EMDG supports nine categories of promotional activities, including:

• Overseas representation – costs of maintaining an overseas representative on a long-term basis in a foreign country
• Marketing consultants – costs of engaging a consultant to undertake market research activities
• Marketing visits – costs of travel made for the purpose of export promotion
• Communications – communication costs with a potential buyer, distributor, representative or consultant
• Free samples – the costs of providing samples of the products you are promoting for export
• Trade fairs, seminars and in-store promotions – external costs related to participating in a trade fair, seminar or in-store promotion
• Promotional literature and advertising – external costs of promotional material
• Overseas buyers – the cost of bringing potential buyers, who are non-residents, to Australia
• Registration and/or insurance of eligible intellectual property – costs of granting, registering or extending rights for eligible intellectual property and costs of obtaining insurance to protect these rights

Need more help

Applications for 2012-2013 open on 1 July, 2013 and close on 2 December, 2013.

For further information about the grant or to find out if you are eligible please contact your local William Buck Advisor.