Export Market Development Grants Scheme

The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme is a key Australian Government financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters. Administered by Austrade, the scheme supports the export of intellectual property and know-how outside Australia.

The EMDG scheme:

• Encourages small and medium sized Australian businesses to develop export markets.
• Reimburses up to 50% of eligible export promotion expenses above $5,000 provided that the total expenses are at least $15,000.
• Has a maximum grant of $150,000.
• Provides up to eight grants to each eligible applicant. 

To be eligible, the business must have:

• Income of not more than $50 million in the grant year.
• Incurred at least $15,000 of eligible export expenses.
• Principal status for the export business.
• Promoted the export of goods and most services, inbound tourism, the export of intellectual property and conferences and events held in Australia.

Nine categories of promotional activities can be claimed under the EMDG scheme:

• Overseas representatives.
• Marketing consultants.
• Marketing visits.
• Communications.
• Free samples.
• Trade fairs, seminars, in-store promotions.
• Promotional literature & advertising.
• Overseas buyers.
• Registration and/or insurance of eligible intellectual property.