Export Market Development Grant
Export Market Development Grant (EMDG): How Australian Businesses Can Access Up to $80,000 for Export Marketing
For many Australian businesses, exporting is one of the best ways to accelerate growth. International markets provide access to a much larger customer base and can reduce reliance on the domestic economy. However, expanding overseas can be expensive. Businesses often need to invest heavily in travel, international marketing campaigns, trade shows and local distribution partners before generating export revenue.
To help businesses overcome these barriers, the Australian Government offers the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG). The program provides funding to help Australian businesses promote their products and services in overseas markets.
Administered by Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the EMDG program can provide eligible businesses with between $20,000 and $80,000 per year to support export marketing activities.
For businesses looking to expand internationally, the grant can significantly reduce the financial risk of entering new markets.
What is the Export Market Development Grant?
The Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) is a government funding program designed to help Australian businesses develop export markets.
The grant supports the marketing and promotion of Australian goods and services overseas, rather than covering production or operational costs.
The program has been operating for decades and has helped thousands of Australian exporters grow their international presence.
In recent years the program has moved from a reimbursement model to a prospective grant system, meaning businesses apply for funding before undertaking export marketing activities. If approved, businesses receive grant funding to support those activities.
This provides greater certainty when planning international expansion.
How Much Funding is Available?
The EMDG program offers funding across three tiers, depending on where a business is in its export journey.
Tier 1 – Ready to Export
This tier supports businesses preparing to enter international markets.
Funding can be used for activities such as:
Export training programs
Developing international marketing strategies
Market research
Creating export-ready marketing materials
Grants in this category typically range from $20,000 to $30,000 per year.
Tier 2 – Expanding Existing Export Markets
Tier 2 supports businesses that are already exporting and want to increase their international sales.
Examples of eligible activities include:
Overseas advertising campaigns
Digital marketing targeting international customers
Participation in trade shows
Developing relationships with distributors
Funding in this category typically ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 per year.
Tier 3 – Entering New Export Markets
This tier supports experienced exporters looking to expand into new international markets.
Funding can be used for:
Launching products in new countries
Hiring overseas representatives
Establishing regional marketing campaigns
Developing new distribution networks
Tier 3 grants can reach up to $80,000 per year.
Who is Eligible for the EMDG?
The EMDG program is primarily designed for small and medium-sized Australian businesses.
To qualify, businesses generally must:
Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
Operate a business in Australia
Have annual turnover of less than $20 million
Promote goods, services or intellectual property that are substantially Australian
Eligible applicants may include:
Companies
Sole traders
Partnerships
Trusts
Industry associations
The program supports a wide range of industries including technology, professional services, manufacturing, tourism and education.
What Export Marketing Expenses Are Covered?
The EMDG program focuses on international marketing and promotion.
Eligible activities may include:
International Marketing
Overseas advertising campaigns
Social media marketing targeting foreign markets
Translation of marketing materials
Website localisation for international customers
Overseas Travel
Travel expenses for export promotion activities such as:
Meeting overseas distributors
Visiting potential buyers
Attending international trade missions
Trade Shows and Exhibitions
Businesses may claim costs associated with participating in international exhibitions or industry events.
Overseas Representatives
Funding may also support the engagement of:
Overseas sales agents
Export consultants
Local marketing representatives
Market Research
Professional research or consulting services related to identifying export opportunities may also qualify.
What Expenses Are Not Covered?
The EMDG program focuses specifically on marketing exports, meaning certain costs are not eligible.
These typically include:
Manufacturing costs
Product development
Freight and logistics
Capital equipment
Domestic marketing unrelated to exports
Understanding the distinction between eligible and ineligible costs is essential when preparing an application.
Why the EMDG is Valuable for Australian Businesses
The Export Market Development Grant can significantly improve the economics of exporting.
Key benefits include:
Reduced financial risk
International expansion requires significant upfront investment. Grant funding helps offset these costs.
Accelerated growth
Export markets can dramatically increase the size of a business’s potential customer base.
Improved competitiveness
Additional marketing funding helps Australian businesses compete internationally.
Encourages strategic planning
The grant requires businesses to develop a clear export strategy, which often improves decision making.
For many growing businesses, the EMDG can play a crucial role in building a sustainable international presence.
EMDG Application Checklist
Businesses considering applying for the Export Market Development Grant should prepare the following:
✔ Confirm eligibility
Ensure your business has an ABN, operates in Australia and has turnover under $20 million.
✔ Identify target export markets
Determine which countries or regions you intend to focus on.
✔ Develop an export marketing strategy
Outline how you plan to promote your product or service internationally.
✔ Prepare a “Plan to Market” document
This plan should detail marketing activities, target customers and expected outcomes.
✔ Estimate export marketing costs
Prepare a budget for advertising, travel, trade shows and marketing support.
✔ Ensure financial capacity
Because the program requires matched funding, businesses must demonstrate the ability to fund their portion of the activities.
✔ Gather supporting documentation
This may include financial statements, marketing plans and business details.
✔ Monitor application opening dates
Funding rounds can be competitive, so submitting applications early is important.
Final Thoughts
For Australian businesses looking to expand internationally, the Export Market Development Grant can be a valuable source of funding.
With potential support of up to $80,000 per year, the program helps reduce the cost and risk of entering global markets. Businesses that plan their export strategy carefully and prepare strong applications can use the EMDG to accelerate international growth.
If your business is considering exporting or expanding into new overseas markets, exploring the EMDG program may be a worthwhile first step.