Global Trade Scheme NT

Purpose and Program Overview

The Global Trade Scheme (GTS) is a Northern Territory Government initiative designed to help Territory businesses establish, expand, and diversify their exporting capabilities. The program supports businesses at various stages of their export journeys, from those just beginning to explore international markets to export-ready enterprises seeking to grow existing markets or enter new ones. The GTS aims to stimulate economic growth within the Northern Territory by increasing the number of local businesses exporting products and services, enhancing their competitiveness, and boosting sustainable export sales.

With a funding pool allocated across three distinct streams, the program offers tailored support to businesses depending on their export readiness and goals. It contributes broadly to the Territory’s economic development strategies by facilitating access to international trade opportunities, fostering export industry growth, and strengthening local business networks through cluster and industry association activities.

Through the Global Trade Scheme, the Northern Territory Government addresses export barriers for small to medium enterprises and encourages persistent and sustainable export strategies that align with its broader economic reconstruction and growth targets.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range:
  • Stream 1: Up to $3,000 (50:50 co-contribution) for export readiness activities
  • Stream 2: Up to $10,000 (50:50 co-contribution) to assist exporting and market growth
  • Stream 3: Up to $50,000 (50:50 co-contribution) for clusters or industry association projects aimed at market expansion
• Application open: Year-round for Streams 1 and 2; Stream 3 open annually or until funds allocated
• Application close: Applications accepted until the annual funding allocation is exhausted
• Eligible industries/business types: Northern Territory-based enterprises producing goods or services within the NT with annual turnover between $75,000 and $10 million
• Required co-contributions: Yes, 50% co-contribution mandatory for all streams
• Location/state/territory applicability: Northern Territory businesses only

Priority Sectors

The Global Trade Scheme is open to a broad range of sectors that engage in producing goods or services within the Northern Territory and have export potential. While no exclusive priority industries are specified, the program encourages clusters and industry associations that drive export growth through collaborative projects. This supports industries important to the NT’s economic growth and diversification, including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and cultural products.

Funding Scope

• Funding amounts per stream:
  • Stream 1 (Export readiness): Grants up to $3,000
  • Stream 2 (Export growth): Grants up to $10,000, available up to twice per annum per applicant (max $20,000/year, $50,000 total over 5 years)
  • Stream 3 (Cluster/industry association projects): Grants up to $50,000 once per annum per cluster or association
• Categories or streams:
  • Export readiness and planning (Stream 1)
  • Export market activities and diversification (Stream 2)
  • Collaborative cluster or industry association export projects (Stream 3)
• Project timeline or funding duration: Typically aligned to specific export activity timelines within funding agreements and annual allocations

Grant Amount in Total

• The full funding pool is not publicly specified; annual funding is allocated per stream and distributed on a first-come, first-served or merit basis until exhausted.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a Territory Enterprise: operating and producing goods or services within the Northern Territory
• Registered in the Northern Territory with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Operated and generated revenue in the NT for at least 12 months prior to application
• Annual turnover between $75,000 and $10 million in the two preceding financial years
• Products or services must be produced, transformed, or value-added in the NT and dispatched from the NT
• Co-contribution of 50% of the eligible costs required
• Must not be applying for activities covered by other government funding for the same purposes
• Compliance with all relevant laws and regulations

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Consultancy for export planning and strategy development (Stream 1)
• Market research, trade missions, travel allowances, and promotional activities to grow export markets (Stream 2)
• Cluster or industry association-led export development initiatives, marketing, and collaboration projects (Stream 3)
• Travel allowances to support accommodation, meals, beverages, and transport for export activities (Stream 2)
• Project management and coordination expenses related to funded export activities

Assessment Process

• Competitive and merit-based process for Streams 2 and 3; Stream 1 is a one-time grant per business during the program period
• Key evaluation criteria include:
  • Project merit, export readiness, or growth potential
  • Strategic alignment with NT’s export growth and economic development objectives
  • Value for money and appropriate use of co-contributions
  • Demonstrated capacity to deliver and benefit from export activities

Recent Program Updates

• The program continues to operate with applications accepted year-round for Streams 1 and 2, and annual allocation resets for Stream 3
• Daily travel allowance capped at AUD 350 per day for one person per business on eligible business trips
• Ongoing emphasis on supporting clusters to facilitate collaborative international market access
• Aligns with the Northern Territory’s Strategic Economic Reconstruction initiatives toward a $40 billion economy by 2030

Application Tips

• Confirm eligibility early by reviewing turnover, location, and export activity criteria
• Prepare thorough export plans, budgets, and co-contribution arrangements before applying
• Engage with local industry clusters or associations, where applicable, for Stream 3 applications
• Maintain clear documentation, including quotes and evidence of Territory origin for eligible activities
• Submit applications early due to rolling funding allocation and a limited grant pool

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit the Northern Territory Government’s Global Trade Scheme website for application forms, templates, and detailed guidelines.