EMDG

How will EMDG work from 1 July 2021?

From 1 July 2021 the Export Marketing & Development Grant (EMDG) program changed to an upfront eligibility-based grants program, and the process for receiving a grant is as follows:

  • A grant application needs to be submitted before you spend money on promotional activities. The application will include milestone payments that link to key expenditure activities you undertake.
  • Once all applications have been assessed, Austrade offers a grant agreement to each eligible applicant.
  • Once you have your grant agreement you can commence spending. We will then submit your expenditure in line with your milestones to receive a cash back as outlined in your grant agreement.

The EMDG Program for 2025

A grant application needs to be submitted before you spend money on export marketing and promotional activities. The application will include milestone payments that link to key expenditure activities you undertake.

What are the tiers?

There are three tiers of the EMDG:

  • Tier 1: For businesses that are new to exporting or have limited export experience.
  • Tier 2: For businesses that have some export experience but are looking to expand their markets.
  • Tier 3: For businesses that are already established exporters but are looking to grow their exports further.

How much can I receive?

The amount of funding available per tier is as follows:

  • Tier 1: Up to $10,000 per year (for up to 2 years)
  • Tier 2: Up to $25,000 per year (for up to 2 years)
  • Tier 3: Up to $50,000 per year (for up to 2 years)

Who should apply?

The EMDG is available to small businesses with fewer than 200 employees and an annual turnover of less than $50 million.

  • Once you have your grant agreement you can commence spending. We will then submit your expenditure in line with your milestones to receive a cash back as outlined in your grant agreement.
  • What Bellajack will do for you
  • Bellajack will manage the Export Market Development Grant application for you
  • Help negotiate the agreement between Austrade and your company
  • Bellajack will manage your Milestone submissions, which unlocks your grant as you progress.

What can you claim?

Eligible promotional items for goods, services or events. If you have claimed under the EMDG previously then you will see that this is largely unchanged. What you can claim going forward includes;

  • Overseas representatives (in a foreign country for more than 6 months in a Financial Year)
  • Marketing Visits (up to 21 days) per trip per traveller (airfare + a daily allowance) – You MUST keep a travel diary and expenses will be apportioned if any of the trip is not specifically for marketing and development purposes, e.g. adding in a few days off.
  • Tradeshow expenses
  • Marketing Consultants working specifically on your export markets
  • Overseas buyer visits to Australia (up to 21 days)
  • Some costs associated with free samples
  • Promotional and advertising material – Website costs related to export markets, Google adwords, brochures, digital and social media marketing, etc.
  • Some IP Costs
  • Eligible expenses of a person in respect of training activities – being for export marketing training only

For more information check out www.austrade.gov.au/australian/export/export-grants