Support Your Growth With The Export Market Development Grant EMDG

Key Takeaways

• The Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) supports export growth through matched funding but requires careful navigation of eligibility, tiers, and compliance rules.
• The 3 EMDG tiers align with different export maturity stages, making early tier identification critical to avoiding wasted effort.
• Eligibility depends on turnover thresholds, minimum eligible spend, matched funding capacity, and substantial Australian content.
• Some export-related costs are excluded, so expense classification must be checked early to prevent reduced or rejected applications.
• Early expert assessment helps determine whether EMDG or a different grant better aligns with your commercial strategy.

The Export Market Development Grant EMDG is designed to help businesses grow beyond the Australian market. But despite its potential for providing significant export funding support, many businesses feel held back by complex eligibility rules, detailed paperwork, and uncertainty around what costs can be claimed. 

EMDG also operates through funding rounds, each with a limited pool of available funds and done on a first-come, first-served basis. Timing and preparation are critical to securing support, and businesses that are not ready to lodge early may miss out. 

Pattens Group support as your business advisers for grant applications, and we can guide you through every stage of the EMDG process. With the right support, Australian export grants like the EMDG can be a valuable opportunity to support steady, sustainable export growth.

You’re exploring export growth support for your business and need clear, reliable direction.

Exploring export opportunities can open new pathways for your business, especially when you have the right guidance.

If you’ve just begun exporting, you may be unsure where to begin. The Export Market Development Grant EMDG is designed to provide practical support, and with the right information, the program can help your business move into overseas markets while allowing you to continue focusing on day-to-day operations.

The EMDG is organised into 3 clear tiers.

The EMDG’s tiers each reflect a different stage of export activity. Tier 1 is intended for businesses that are new to exporting and beginning to promote products or services internationally. Tier 2, on the other hand, supports businesses that are already exporting and want to strengthen marketing and promotional efforts in existing markets. 

Lastly, Tier 3 is designed for more established exporters looking to expand into new and strategically important markets, which is a recent addition to the program.

For representative bodies, eligibility involves additional considerations. This includes demonstrating in your submitted plans how your activities support your SME members, holding a valid Australian Business Number, and being tax compliant and fit to receive a grant, among other eligibility requirements.

As you identify the right tier for your business or project early on, you gain clarity on whether the EMDG fits your long-term growth strategy. We can also advise you about exploring tax incentives for research and development or other options that may be better suited to your project.

For most businesses, confusion over eligibility is their biggest barrier to the EMDG.

Because of its requirements and eligibility criteria, many businesses find the Export Market Development Grant EMDG’s process daunting.

The EMDG provides export marketing support through matched funding. This means that to qualify, businesses must meet a minimum turnover for their tier, be able to spend at least $20,000 on eligible export activities, and contribute funds to match the grant. While this support is valuable, businesses often hesitate or delay applying because of the uncertainty around these requirements.

Given this, eligibility for such government export grants may also depend on what is exported and how it’s delivered. Products must be of substantially Australian origin and fall within approved categories such as goods, services, events, intellectual property, or software. 

Eligible expenses need careful attention as well. For example, some costs that appear export-related may be valid under a research and development tax incentive but turn out to be non-eligible for the EMDG. Claiming ineligible expenses can lead to reduced payments or rejected claims.

Take the next step with informed EMDG guidance from us.

Getting the right guidance on the Export Market Development Grant EMDG can help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Before committing time and resources, it is important to understand whether the application process aligns with your broader business strategy. We provide an initial assessment that clearly explains eligibility and identifies the most relevant tier within the scheme. This early review helps you understand where your business sits before you move forward.

From the outset, having this clarity on your options for Austrade export grants reduces uncertainty and allows you to decide, with greater confidence, whether you’re applying for the Export Market Development Grant EMDG or other government grants for companies.

With extensive expertise in government funding programs, we assess all new businesses against more than 1,200 available grants. After reviewing your business activities, we then provide a complimentary report that outlines the international business grants most suited to your operations and future direction. 

As export grant consultants, we also simplify what can otherwise be a complex process by offering complete, end-to-end support. Because EMDG is done on a first-come, first-served basis, it is imperative that grant applications are lodged as soon as the new funding round opens. 

To do this, applications need to be prepared well in advance of the commencement of the funding round. We help businesses prepare applications well ahead of the opening date, so documentation, evidence, and budgets are ready for timely lodgement when the round commences.

From the initial assessment to providing export grant support and compliance help, we manage the details for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the EMDG designed for?

The Export Market Development Grant EMDG targets Australian businesses focused on developing export markets. If you’re an innovation-driven company, a manufacturer, or a tech firm with international aspirations, this grant might be for you. 

Our export grant advisers and specialists are here if you need professional help with business grant applications. We’ll assist you in streamlining the process and exploring any alternative funding opportunities that may be more appropriate for your project.

How competitive is EMDG funding?

The application process for the Export Market Development Grant EMDG is competitive, and it’s important to note that eligibility for export grant assistance does not solely guarantee approval. A rigorous evaluation of your application will take place against the program priorities, limited funding, and the quality of your supporting documentation.

Because funding rounds have finite allocations, strong applications prepared and lodged early are typically better positioned within the assessment window.

To stand out in a competitive market, you need to present a clear commercial rationale. Our expertise can help sharpen your application, anchoring it to realistic, aligned internal expectations.

How do I know if my business is eligible for EMDG?

When it comes to eligibility for the Export Market Development Grant EMDG, businesses must show concrete plans for export expansion to qualify. It’s crucial to understand the guidelines early because understanding your eligibility reduces wasted resources throughout the application process. 

You can streamline your path to eligibility for this grant. With our expertise, you can clarify any questions you might have regarding Australian government business grants within your industry.

Get expert guidance on government grant applications from Pattens Group.

Navigating export funding for SMEs or business export funding can seem complicated without expert advice.

We help you identify the ideal grant among more than 1,200 options and provide a customised report tailored to your business needs. Whether you’re exploring opportunities in manufacturing, medical, energy, or other sectors, we handle the heavy lifting. Plus, our No Win, No Fee model commits to aligning your investment precisely with your business goals. 

We ensure that export grant planning and application support are based on what is achievable and realistic for your project. This means that you can concentrate on your core business objectives and let us do the hard work of helping you apply for R&D grants and other funding options. 

Talk to our experienced and accredited grants specialists today.

Disclaimer: Information provided is general in nature and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Eligibility for government grants and incentives is subject to program guidelines and assessment by relevant authorities.