SOURCE: DFAT
Media release
16 August 2021
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment said recent reforms to export grants would better support Australian exporters to succeed on the world stage, supporting local jobs and businesses.
Applications are now open for the reformed Export Market Development Grants (EMDG). The program has been improved by simplified legislation, a streamlined application process and a shift to a forward-looking grant program which will ensure exporters know how much funding they will receive before they spend.
"The EMDG program has helped support Australian success stories like the Wiggles, Atlassian and Penfolds to become international sensations," Mr Tehan said.
"Our Government provided $214.5 million to more than 4,700 Australian businesses to support their exporting activities through the EMDG program in 2020-21.
"These businesses employed more than 70,000 people and generated around $4.7 billion in export income.
"EMDG is a valuable form of assistance for Australian exporters and these changes will help many new and emerging exporters reach new heights in the years to come.
Since 1974 EMDG has supported close to 50,000 Australian exporters and distributed around $5.7 billion in grant payments.
The top five markets for EMDG grant recipients in 2020–21 were the US (56.9%) followed by the UK (25.3%), China (17.5%), Singapore (8.9%) and Canada (8.6%).
Reforms to EMDG are supported by a new application form which allows for better integration across Austrade services, to deliver an improved client experience and export outcomes.