Global Trade Scheme NT

Purpose and Program Overview

The Global Trade Scheme NT is a Northern Territory Government initiative designed to help local businesses set up or expand their exporting capabilities. The program was introduced to support NT businesses to survive, adapt and rebound from the economic impacts of COVID-19, and it continues to operate as an ongoing export development scheme.

The scheme is structured around three funding streams, each targeting a different stage of a business’s export journey. This allows businesses that are just beginning to explore overseas markets, as well as established exporters seeking to diversify or scale up, to access funding relevant to their circumstances.

By co-investing in export readiness activities, market entry costs and international travel, the Global Trade Scheme NT supports the Northern Territory’s broader economic diversification goals and strengthens the Territory’s trade links with international markets.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $3,000 (Stream 1), up to $10,000 (Stream 2) or up to $50,000 (Stream 3)
• Application dates: Open year-round; applications remain open until funding is exhausted
• Closing date: Wednesday, 30 June 2027 (as listed on business.gov.au)
• Eligible industries or business types: Open to NT enterprises across all sectors
• Co-contribution required: Yes, funding is provided on a 50:50 co-contribution basis
• Location/state applicability: Northern Territory only

Priority Sectors

No specific priority sectors are outlined in the published guidelines. The Global Trade Scheme NT is open to eligible NT enterprises across a broad range of industries, provided they meet the standard eligibility criteria.

Funding Scope

The program is delivered across three funding streams:

• Stream 1 – Export Ready: Grants of up to $3,000 to help businesses become export-ready. Applications are submitted by email.
• Stream 2 – Grow and Enter Markets: Grants of up to $10,000 for export-ready businesses to grow existing markets or enter new ones. Includes a daily travel allowance of up to $350 per eligible business, for up to 8 days, covering accommodation, meals, beverages and transport. Applications are submitted online through the Grants NT portal.
• Stream 3 – Cluster or Industry Association Projects: Grants of up to $50,000 for export-ready businesses pursuing market growth or diversification through a cluster or industry association project. Includes access for the cluster lead and one representative from each participating business, plus the same daily travel allowance as Stream 2. Applications are submitted by email.

Project timeline: Approved works must not commence until the application has been formally approved, and must be completed within 6 months of that approval.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Global Trade Scheme NT, businesses must:

• Operate as an enterprise based in the Northern Territory
• Have been operating in the Northern Territory for 12 months or more
• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 and less than $10 million
• Be able to meet the 50:50 co-contribution requirement for the relevant stream

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Depending on the stream, funding can support:

• Export readiness activities, such as market research and preparation for international trade
• Market entry and expansion activities for existing or new export markets
• Cluster or industry association-led export development projects
• Business travel costs, including accommodation, meals, beverages and transport, via the daily travel allowance under Streams 2 and 3

Assessment Process

The Global Trade Scheme NT operates on a rolling, first-come basis rather than a fixed competitive funding round. Applications are accepted throughout the year and assessed against the published eligibility and terms and conditions until program funding is fully allocated. Applicants should note that different terms and conditions apply depending on whether the application is lodged before 31 March 2026 or from 1 April 2026 onward, so it is important to confirm which version applies before applying.

Recent Program Updates

• Updated terms and conditions took effect from 1 April 2026, applying to all applications submitted on or after that date
• The scheme’s closing date is currently listed as 30 June 2027, with funding available until this date or until the funding pool is exhausted, whichever occurs first

Application Tips

• Confirm which set of terms and conditions applies based on the application date before preparing documentation
• Have ABN, turnover records and proof of NT operating history ready before applying
• Select the correct stream based on export experience and project scale
• Budget for the required 50:50 co-contribution as part of the project plan
• For Stream 2 applications, prepare all supporting information before starting the Grants NT online application
• Ensure any planned activities do not commence before formal approval is received, and can realistically be completed within 6 months of approval

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the Global Trade Scheme NT and other associated Australian government websites.