The Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) — the cornerstone of Australian export support
The EMDG is the most well-known export grant in Australia. Run by Austrade, it reimburses eligible small and medium businesses for costs incurred in promoting their products and services in overseas markets.
From the 2023–24 financial year onwards, the EMDG switched to an upfront grant model rather than a reimbursement model. Eligible businesses can now apply for a grant before incurring the marketing costs, then spend the grant on approved export promotion activities.
Who is eligible? Australian businesses with annual revenue under $20 million (for the first two tiers) that are promoting genuine Australian products or services in international markets.
What can the money be spent on? Overseas marketing and promotional activities, including attending international trade shows, international advertising, developing foreign-language marketing materials, overseas agent/distributor fees, patent and trademark registration in overseas markets, and free samples provided to overseas buyers.
How much? Tier 1 (new exporters): up to $40,000 in two tranches. Tier 2: up to $80,000. Tier 3 (established exporters with significant export revenue): up to $150,000. Applications are assessed competitively each round.
Austrade's other export support programs
Beyond the EMDG, Austrade offers a range of support for Australian exporters:
TradeStart advisers: Austrade-funded export advisers embedded in industry associations and regional organisations across Australia. Free consultations to help businesses assess export readiness and develop market entry strategies.
Going Global: An online export readiness tool and network. Free to access.
Austrade trade missions: Organised visits to overseas markets, often subsidised. Useful for initial market entry and building buyer relationships. Check Austrade's website for upcoming missions in your target market.
Landing pads: Austrade operates soft-landing programs in key global innovation hubs (San Francisco, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Shanghai, Singapore, Bangalore). These provide working space and introductions for Australian tech startups entering those markets.
State government export programs
Most states have export development programs that complement the EMDG:
NSW: The NSW Export and Investment Strategy has historically included support for first-time exporters through the NSW Trade and Investment office. Sector-specific programs exist for agribusiness, creative industries, and education.
Victoria: Global Victoria runs export grants and trade missions for Victorian businesses. The Business Growth Fund has included export components.
Queensland: Export Queensland coordinates state export promotion. Queensland businesses in agriculture, resources, and tourism have access to targeted international market development support.
South Australia: Trade and Investment SA focuses on agribusiness, defence, and health exports. The state has strong connections to Asian markets, particularly for food and wine.
State export programs are often industry-specific and have smaller budgets than EMDG, but they're less competitive and faster to process.
Free Trade Agreements — grants don't exist in isolation
Australia has free trade agreements (FTAs) with many of its major trading partners, including the US, UK, EU, Japan, South Korea, China, and the ASEAN bloc. These agreements reduce or eliminate tariffs on many Australian exports, which can be more valuable than a grant in the long run.
Before committing to a new export market, check whether Australia has an FTA with that country and what tariff reductions apply to your product category. The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade both publish FTA guides.
Combining a favourable FTA position with EMDG funding is the most cost-effective way to enter a new market.
Common mistakes when applying for export grants
Applying too late. EMDG applications for a given financial year close in August following the year-end (i.e., applications for FY2025 close in August 2025). Many businesses miss this and lose a year's worth of eligible expenditure.
Poor record-keeping of export costs. The EMDG requires documented evidence of export promotion expenditure. If you can't produce invoices, receipts, and proof of payment for all claimed costs, the grant will be reduced. Keep records in real time, not retrospectively.
Misunderstanding eligible activities. The costs of producing your product are not eligible — only overseas *promotion* costs. Manufacturing, shipping, and general overheads are not reimbursable. Legal fees for export contracts are not eligible. Foreign market research that leads to promotion activity is eligible.
Underestimating the application workload. A complete EMDG application for Tier 2 or Tier 3 is a significant piece of work. Budget 15–30 hours for your first application. Engaging an EMDG-specialist consultant is common among larger exporters and often pays for itself.
Open export grants
From our live database · 8 programs shown
The Hydrogen Headstart program provides long-term revenue support to underwrite large-scale renewable hydrogen production projects in Australia. Funding is provided in the form of Headstart Production Credits (HPC), offering support per unit of production over a 10-year period of operations. The program aims to accelerate development of Australia's renewable hydrogen industry, support domestic decarbonisation, and help Australia connect to new global hydrogen supply chains.
A concession program for green hydrogen producers to significantly reduce their electricity costs in NSW. Up to $1.5 billion is available to support the development of the green hydrogen industry and drive down production costs.
A grant program supporting manufacturing businesses to expand production capacity, develop advanced technologies, and establish sovereign manufacturing capabilities across priority sectors including space, medical products, critical minerals processing, food and beverage, clean energy, and defence.
Concessional loans for businesses in the Northern Territory to undertake projects that expand and grow their business. Projects must be of net economic benefit to the NT and should create and sustain new local jobs, increase economic activity, expand production capacity, or grow export capability.
A pilot to set up Australia's first Precursor Cathode Active Material manufacturing plant in Kwinana, Western Australia. The plant will enable Australia to capture more of the battery value chain and enable direct sale of this high-value critical mineral product to manufacturers in the EU and India.
This program provides funding to Western Australian sheep producers and supply chain businesses to adjust to the removal of live sheep exports by sea. It supports capital investments for on-farm finishing activities and processing supply chain enhancements through two funding streams.
A $3 million grant supporting Australian Vintage and nine industry partners with the University of Adelaide to develop no and low-alcohol (NOLO) wines. The project addresses technical and market challenges including flavour enhancement, mouthfeel improvement, microbial stability, shelf-life extension, and consumer insights to position Australia as a global leader in lifestyle wines.
This program supports the development of the Australian Capital Territory as an export-oriented hub for energy transition innovation and investment. Funding is available for new and emerging technologies and ventures across three streams: Technology Demonstration, Policy Challenge, and Innovation Ecosystem grants.
Grant information is compiled from official government sources and updated regularly. Program details, eligibility, and availability change frequently. Always verify current details on the official government website before applying.